Theory and Composition (Composition), BMUS
Discover your creative strengths and explore your own artistic voice as you learn from acclaimed composers and leading theorists.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation.
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
The National Association of Schools of Music accredits Arizona State U...
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Theory and Composition (Composition) degree description
In the Bachelor of Music in theory and composition, you choose a concentration in either theory or composition.
As a composition student, you focus on developing varied techniques for writing music for assorted genres and media, including chamber, orchestra and electronic music, and film and video scoring. You have multiple performance opportunities each year, including readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the ASU Wind Bands and the Philharmonia Orchestra; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers and student animators, filmmakers and dancers.
This degree program provides you with extensive faculty interaction and professional development. You have opportunities to broaden your skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering your personal approach to composition. Opportunities to collaborate with music scholars, theorists, performers, educators and other composers give you a broad and well-rounded foundation for careers in music.
If you are interested in the theory concentration, you can look into the BMUS in theory and composition program with a concentration in theory for more information.
Why specialize in composition at ASU?
You can build professional connections through a network of alumni, internships, residencies and partnerships that span the arts. You can shape a customized pathway, tailoring your focus toward performance, teaching, research, administration or interdisciplinary practice.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| MHL 140 Sounds and Cultures |
| MTC 125 Music Theory I |
| MTC 221 Music Theory II |
| MTC 222 Music Theory III |
| MTC 425 Studies in 20th- and 21st-Century Theory |
| MUP 131 Class Piano |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze key creative and artistic processes from at least two musical styles and historical periods.
- Critique specific musical products within the context of a specific historic or cultural tradition.
- Apply theoretical understanding of musical techniques to composing music in varied styles.
Analyze key creative and artistic processes from at least two musical styles and historical periods.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
Important: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Admission to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is based on a composition interview. Interviews take place in November (spring admission) and February (fall admission) of each year. Admission to the music program is highly selective and based on an interview process. Students are admitted as music audition students and must successfully complete the composition interview before enrolling in music major courses. Upon admission to both ASU and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, the applicant's major is changed to music. If a student is admitted to ASU but not to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre or misses the audition deadline, the student remains a music audition major and must successfully pass the interview milestone in the first semester to gain admission into the program. Application deadlines: Students should review the complete music deadline information. Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 1. Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is December 1.
Transfer admission requirements:
Transfer applicants: Transfer of courses from other accredited institutions is subject to the existence of parallel and equal courses in the college's curriculum and to departmental or school evaluation of studio and class piano courses with respect to performance standards. Every candidate for the bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 30 hours in resident credit at ASU. Transfer students enrolled in the institute must complete a minimum of 15 resident credit hours in the major as approved by the faculty. Application deadlines: Students should review the complete music deadline information. Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 1. Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is December 1.
An ASU student who would like to change majors to this program should reference the interview requirements listed in the admission requirements section above.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Music transcends language and cultural boundaries, and students deepen their understanding of composition through study abroad experiences. Students gain an enhanced understanding of how music affects culture and how they can communicate globally through their compositions.
With more than 300 programs around the world available to them, students can build the experience most suited to their personal goals and skill sets.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music Producer | 1.2% | $73,710 | Learn more |
| Musician/Singer | 0.3% | Not available | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this composition concentration prepares you for
Graduates are prepared to work in various professional or entrepreneurial capacities, including:
- arranging
- composing
- performing in community and professional ensembles in a variety of styles and traditions
- serving as an artist-in-residence in school programs
- teaching in a private studio and community program
- teaching theory and composition
They also find work in music-related fields such as:
- marketing
- media production
- music business
- publishing
Many graduates pursue a master's degree or a doctorate in music or another professional field.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
