Music Composition (MMus)

https://musicanddance.uoregon.edu/

In addition to the University of Oregon Division of Graduate Studies' requirements for master’s degrees, the School of Music and Dance has the following requirements. For additional information, contact the music graduate office or consult the Info for Grad Students webpage.

A minimum of 9 credits must be taken in 600- or 700-level courses and at least one-half of the required credits must be in courses intended for graduate students only. Degree candidates must complete a terminal project (e.g., recital, thesis, project), all of which must be archived in one of the following locations: Music Services in Knight Library, Scholars’ Bank, ProQuest, or Cykler Music Education Library.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced competencies in composition. Studies in this area comprise as much as two-thirds or at least one-third of the total curriculum.
  • Gain knowledge and skills in one or more fields of music outside the major such as history and literature, theory and analysis, musicology and ethnomusicology, performance, and pedagogy. Such supportive studies in music that broaden and deepen musical competence comprise at least one-third of the total curriculum.
  • Be afforded regular opportunities to hear their works performed.
  • Show a culminating demonstration of professional capability in the major field, the student must submit at least one original composition appropriate as a final project.

Master of Music in Music Composition Requirements

MUS 611Research Methods in Music3
MUS 538Composers Forum (6 terms)6
Select one of the following:3
Interactive Media Performance
History of Electroacoustic Music
Digital Audio Workstation Techniques I
Audio Production Techniques I
Advanced Electronic Composition
Select one of the following:4
Introduction to Ethnomusicology
Musical Instruments of the World
Balinese Gamelan (2 terms)
Two sequences of the following:18
Advanced Composition Studies
MUS 533Counterpoint4
MUS 534Counterpoint4
Select two of the following:6
Tonal Analysis: Linear Prolongational Analysis
Tonal Analysis: Form in Tonal Music
Tonal Analysis: Analysis of Popular Music
Post-Tonal Theory I
Advanced Post-Tonal Theory
Choose one from the following:3
Music in the Middle Ages
Music in the Renaissance
Music in the Baroque Era
Music in the Classical Period
Music in the Romantic Era
Music in the 20th Century
MUS 605Reading and Conference: [Topic] (Composition Thesis Proposal) 11
MUS 503Thesis 29
Notation Proficiency
Orchestration Proficiency
Piano Proficiency 3
Composition Recital 4
Final Oral Examination 5
Total Credits61
1

Composition Thesis Proposal. Must be taken no later than fourth quarter of Advanced Composition Studies.  

2

A composition of substantial dimension, composed under the guidance of a member of the music composition faculty. A reading (or performance) and recording of the thesis is required.  

3

Students have 2 ways of meeting the piano proficiency: (1) Three consecutive terms of MUP 163 (2) pass the proficiency exam administered in Week of Welcome.

4

Public performance of at least 50 minutes of music composed under the guidance of and approved by the composition faculty. 

5

Oral Examination reviewing thesis and degree coursework.