Master of Music: Composition
Program Overview
The Rowan Experience
Our Master of Music provides intensive experiences in performance, conducting, or composition, as well as courses geared to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the literature of your area of concentration - and a greater understanding of music in general. Our program is tailored for aspiring musicians who wish to make a career as a performer, conductor, or composer. It is also appropriate if you plan to continue your studies at the Ph.D. or D.M.A. level.
Graduates of Rowan's Master of Music program have gone on to major doctoral programs, orchestral careers, arts leadership positions, and careers as college professors and public school teachers.
The M.M. at Rowan University is designed to be four semesters long, but can be completed in two or three semesters - depending on number of hours taken/semester and the course rotation schedule.
Curriculum
The Master of Music Performance offers the following focus areas: Guitar, Keyboard, Orchestral Instruments, and Vocal. The number of credits required to complete this program depends on the chosen focus area.
- Music Theory and Music History placement exams the first week of classes (not admission bearing)
- Total semester hours required for program completion: 34-38 s.h
- Culminating Experience (Recital): a recital jury is only required under special circumstances
- Oral Comprehensive Exam
- Thesis Requirement: none
The following courses make up the Master of Music: Composition program.
- 33-40 Semester Hours
- Foundation Courses: No
- Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
Group B Specialization Courses: 2 S.H. Group B Specialization Courses: 2 S.H. MUSG 06546Development and Interpretation of Symphonic Literature3
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: 12 S.H. | ||
| MUS 04560 | Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MUSG 05547 | Music and the Related Arts | 3 |
| MUS 04570 | 20th Century Literature and Techniques | 3 |
| SMED 32502 | Teaching of Music Theory | 3 |
| Group A Specialization Courses: 12-16 S.H. | ||
| MUS 10527 | Graduate Music Composition I | 6 |
| MUS 10528 | Graduate Music Composition II | 6 |
| MUS 10525 | Graduate Music Composition I | 4 |
| MUS 10526 | Graduate Music Composition II | 4 |
| Group B Specialization Courses: 2 S.H. | ||
| MUS 10537 – MUS 10540 | Graduate Ensemble: Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUS 10541 – MUS 10544 | Graduate Ensemble: Jazz Band | 1 |
| MUS 10545 – MUS 10548 | Graduate Ensemble: Lab Band | 1 |
| MUS 10549 – MUS 10552 | Graduate Ensemble: Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS 10553 – MUS 10556 | Graduate Ensemble: Wind Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 10569 – MUS 10572 | Graduate Ensemble: Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS 10576 – MUS 10579 | Graduate Ensemble: Contemporary Music | 1 |
| Group C Specialization Courses: 2 S.H. | ||
| MUS 10501 | Graduate Secondary Applied Instrument I | 2 |
| MUS 10505 | Graduate Secondary Applied Voice I | 2 |
| Elective Courses: 5-8 S.H. | ||
| MUS 04541 | Jazz Piano (non-keyboard students) | 1 |
| MUS 04551 | Piano Accompanying | 1 |
| MUS 04555 | Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 04557 | Advanced Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS 04561 | Score Reading I | 1 |
| MUS 04562 | Score Reading II | 1 |
| MUS 04565 | Seminar in Band Conducting | 3 |
| MUS 06503 | Jazz History | 3 |
| MUS 06506 | Art Song Literature | 3 |
| MUS 06509 | String Instrument Literature | 3 |
| MUS 06511 | Survey of 20th Century Band Literature | 3 |
| MUS 06542 | Opera Literature | 3 |
| MUS 06545 | Development & Interpretation of Choral Literature | 2 |
| MUS 06546 | Development & Interpretation of Symphonic Literature | 3 |
| MUS 06510 | Keyboard Literature | 3 |
| SMED 32507 | Piano Pedagogy | 3 |
Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- Completed Music Audition Application
- $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
- Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives
- Two letters of recommendation
- Performance Audition (at which any required foundation courses are determined)
Composer
Career Outlook
Many musicians pursue advanced degrees to develop a better understanding of their craft, create meaningful connections with music, and hone their practice. Our master's degree in music will provide the intensive experience that is necessary to carry your music career aspirations to the next level - for performers, conductors or composers.
Admissions Information
Deadlines, Tuition and Financial Aid
The chart below details available entry terms for the Master of Music: Composition program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
| Entry Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 1 |
| Spring | November 1 |
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
RatesWe know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
More InfoThe chart below details available entry terms for the Master of Music: Composition program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.
| Entry Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 1 |
| Spring | November 1 |
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
RatesWe know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
More InfoLearn More
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