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Key Highlights
- You'll study both traditional composition techniques and modern music technology while maintaining a low 5:1 student-faculty ratio.
- The program requires 31 credit hours covering music theory, history, composition, and film scoring over two years.
- Students build portfolios through live performances, professional recordings, and collaborations with established musicians.
- Learning happens in inspiring locations rather than traditional classrooms, with campus visits twice yearly.
- Career opportunities include film scoring, concert composition, teaching positions, and music technology roles.
Program Structure and Prerequisites
While some college programs make you sit in classrooms all day long, this MFA in Music Composition is different!
You'll spend most of your time creating music wherever you feel most inspired – maybe in your backyard or at your favorite park!
Think of it like a special two-year musical adventure. You'll visit campus twice a year, in winter and summer, for exciting music-making sessions with other composers.
It's like having a musical playdate with new friends! During these visits, you'll get to work with different types of musicians and create amazing sounds together.
The best part? You don't need to be a musical genius to start!
If you love making music and have some experience composing tunes, you're ready to begin.
Want to mix different styles of music? You can do that too!
The program maintains a remarkable 5:1 student-faculty ratio to ensure you get plenty of personal attention.
Core Curriculum and Technical Training
Just like building with LEGO bricks, creating music needs special building blocks too! In your MFA program, you'll learn all about these musical building blocks through fun courses and hands-on practice. Did you know you can make music using computers and traditional instruments? Cool, right? Students must complete 31 credit hours to graduate.
Musical Element | What You'll Learn | How It's Like Fun Stuff |
---|---|---|
Theory | Notes and chords | Like recipe ingredients |
Composition | Making melodies | Like telling a story |
Technology | Digital tools | Like playing video games |
You'll take exciting classes in music history (it's like a time machine!) and learn to write music for movies (imagine scoring your favorite cartoon!). I'll help you understand tricky concepts by breaking them down into bite-sized pieces. Ready to make some amazing music together?
Portfolio Development and Performance Opportunities
Creating a music portfolio is like building your very own super-special treasure chest! I'll help you discover all the amazing ways you can fill it with your musical masterpieces.
When you're in an MFA program, you'll get to perform your music and make recordings that sound spectacular – just like your favorite songs on the radio! You'll have access to the amazing Wild Beast pavilion for showcasing your work.
- Think of your portfolio like a recipe book, where each piece tells a different musical story.
- Imagine your compositions playing in a big concert hall, with lots of instruments making beautiful sounds.
- Picture professional musicians bringing your music to life, just like a magical orchestra.
- See yourself conducting your very own piece, waving your arms like a musical wizard!
Want to know the best part? You'll get to work with real musicians and share your music with the whole world!
Professional Growth and Career Pathways
After finishing your MFA in music composition, you'll discover so many amazing career paths!
You could write music for movies (just like your favorite animated films), create beautiful concert pieces, or even compose operas. It's like being a musical chef – mixing different sounds to make something delicious for the ears!
Want to teach others about music? You can become a professor at a college or help young composers like yourself learn the craft.
There's also this cool world of music technology where you can use computers to make incredible sounds. Think of it as building with musical LEGO blocks!
I love how you can work with all kinds of artists too. You might write music for dancers, video games, or even create sound effects for TV shows!
The program emphasizes mastering advanced music theory, which gives you the tools to create sophisticated compositions in any style.
Resources and Financial Planning
While planning for your MFA in music composition might seem like solving a big puzzle, I'm here to help you put all the pieces together!
Think of it like building your favorite LEGO set – you'll need different pieces to make it work. You can find scholarships (that's free money!), apply for grants, or even work as a teaching assistant to help pay for school. Additionally, researching accredited schools is crucial to ensure that you are investing in a quality education.
Having access to the Electronic and Computer Music Studio will require some technical equipment investments during your studies.
Here's what you'll need to think about:
- A piggy bank for tuition and books (just bigger than the one on your dresser!)
- A cozy place to stay during residency periods (like summer camp for composers!)
- Your laptop and music software (your digital orchestra awaits!)
- Travel money for when you need to visit campus (road trip time!)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Hours per Week Should I Practice Composing During the Program?
I'd suggest practicing composition for about 20-25 hours per week.
That's like spending 4 hours each day making music! I break this into smaller chunks – maybe 1-2 hours in the morning when I'm fresh, and another session later.
You'll want to mix it up between writing music, studying theory, and working with other musicians.
Can I Work Part-Time While Pursuing My MFA in Music Composition?
Yes, you can work part-time while pursuing your MFA, but I'll be honest – it's like juggling ice cream scoops!
Many students manage 15-20 hours of work weekly alongside their studies.
I'd suggest flexible jobs that let you practice when inspiration hits.
Remember, your classes might've busy periods (like performances or recording sessions) where you'll need extra time.
Think of it like being a musical superhero with great time management powers!
Do I Need to Play Multiple Instruments to Succeed in Composition?
I'm happy to tell you that you don't need to play lots of instruments to be a great composer!
While knowing piano basics can help, what really matters is your creative ideas and understanding of music theory.
Think of it like being a movie director – you don't need to be an actor to create amazing scenes.
Many composers use computer software to write music, just like artists use digital tools to draw.
What Percentage of Graduates Find Work in Film or Game Scoring?
I'll be honest – we don't have exact numbers for film and game scoring jobs.
It's like trying to count all the jellybeans in a huge jar! What I do know is that it's pretty competitive.
Your best shot? Build an awesome portfolio and network like crazy.
Think of it like making friends at a new school – the more people you know, the better your chances of finding cool opportunities.
Are There Opportunities to Study Composition Abroad During the Program?
I've found that many MFA programs offer amazing chances to study abroad.
You can compose music in exciting places like Paris, Prague, or even Abu Dhabi!
I love how NYU lets students learn from famous musicians while exploring new cultures.
Want to write flamenco in Spain? Or study classical music in Austria?
There's a whole world of music waiting for you to discover!
The Bottom Line
Pursuing an MFA in music composition can be a transformative experience, but as you embark on this journey, it's crucial to protect your creative work and personal information. Just as you refine your artistic voice, ensure your digital presence is secure. Password security is essential in today's interconnected world, especially for artists who share their compositions online. Consider implementing strong password management practices to safeguard your accounts. A reliable solution can streamline this process, allowing you to focus on your music. I encourage you to explore password management tools that can help you create, store, and manage your passwords effectively. Check out LogMeOnce for a free account that offers robust security features tailored for creatives. Don't let security concerns hold you back – take control of your digital life while you pursue your passion for music composition!

Mark, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, is a dynamic force in our digital marketing team. His profound understanding of technology, combined with his expertise in various facets of digital marketing, writing skills makes him a unique and valuable asset in the ever-evolving digital landscape.