Bachelor of Music in Composition Degree Information

BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN COMPOSITION
2008 - 2009 Bulletin

The Bachelor of Music in Composition degree at Portland State University is a 4-year degree intended for students demonstrating an aptitude for writing music and a curiosity for contemporary music. Students are encouraged at every stage to explore multiple contemporary techniques and genres and to develop their own compositional style.

Because most students lack formal training in composition prior to college, acceptance into upper-division study in composition happens at the end of the sophomore year. During the first two years of music study, students will take the core music classes, applied music performance lessons, ensembles, and a yearlong introductory course in composition. Works written in the composition class will be submitted as a portfolio to be reviewed by the music faculty for admission to the major. Transfer students with a background in composition studies may choose to submit a portfolio to be considered for the major without first taking the composition class.

Upper-division study in composition consists of one-on-one applied lessons with a composition faculty member. Students will complete a junior and senior recital of original works and take an active role in all performances of their music.

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Music with Composition Emphasis need to:

  • Audition and be accepted into the Department of Music on your major instrument or voice
  • Meet with the Composition advisor (Professor Bonnie Miksch) in your freshman or sophomore year
  • Successfully complete the year-long composition class MUS 240, 241, 242 which is generally taken during the sophomore year
  • Prepare a portfolio of your works to be evaluated by the composition faculty following completion of MUS 242
  • Be accepted as a composition major based on the quality of your submitted portfolio
  • Successfully complete the first two years of Music Theory, Sight-Singing and Ear Training, Class or private piano, 12 units of applied music performance lessons, and 6 units of large ensemble