Undergraduate Degree Information
The Bachelor of Music Composition (B.M.) degree at UofL is a four year program of study designed to develop a high level of expertise in music composition and related skills. In addition, the program encourages and promotes the development of each student's individual compositional "voice" or personality. (*If Music Theory is your preferred area of study, rather than composition, please contact Dr. Anne Marie de Zeeuw.)
To be admitted as a composition major, students must submit a "portfolio" of compositions. This portfolio is the "audition" for the composition major. Although each student must play or sing a performance audition for the School of Music, composition majors also audition by submitting a portfolio. The portfolio should contain three or four samples of original compositions, along with recordings for the same works, if possible. Evidence of experience using various instrumental and/or vocal combinations is helpful. Students who have questions about what to submit in the portfolio should feel free to ask questions before submitting. The goal should be to submit the best possible audition portfolio, because a strong audition portfolio could result in an offer of a scholarship.
Composition majors often begin private composition study during the first year. A requirement of six semesters of private composition study begins in the second year of study. Students are encouraged to explore and develop expertise in a variety of styles. Composition majors take two semesters of orchestration class, but they are also asked to write for voices and as many different instruments and combinations of instruments as possible during the four year program.
Complete List of the B.M. in Music Composition Course Requirements
There are many opportunities for performances of new compositions, and students will be encouraged to present their work regularly. Currently, in each semester, at least one Student Composer Concert is presented, and often two or more of these concerts are presented in the Spring semester. There are also other UofL sponsored opportunities for performances. Frequently, students will have works performed on recitals of performance majors, at school-wide assemblies (called Convocations), or on concerts of student or faculty ensembles. There are often other opportunities for performances in the broader Louisville community.
During the last semester of study each student presents a Senior Recital of 45-60 minutes of music written while studying at UofL. Since most students usually have written more music than this by then, and since they have been presenting it regularly during their four years of study, the Senior Recital is typically a high point of great satisfaction and personal accomplishment. It's a big undertaking, and there's a lot to organize, but the composition teachers guide the process, and it's almost always a very enjoyable, exciting event.
For More Information
If you have questions or would like to talk about anything related to
music composition at UofL, please contact Dr. Steve Rouse.
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(502) 852-0871 UofL office phone; with answering service.
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(502) 852-6907 School of Music office phone; a brief message will be forwarded.
