Towson University offers undergraduate
(BM) and graduate (MM) degrees in composition. At the
undergraduate level, there is a
choice in degrees between composition, which emphasizes creative work
in the development of concert music, and composition with
jazz/commercial
emphasis.
PROCEDURE
FOR APPLICATION TO THE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN MUSIC COMPOSITION AT TU
We
welcome any student interested in majoring in music composition to
apply for acceptance to the degree program. In order to assess
your
background and better understand your compositional goals we need for
you to submit the following materials in addition to the Towson
University application and Department of Music application. Note
that
for the undergraduate degree in composition, applicants must audition
on voice or an instrument and be accepted as a music major before you
can be accepted into the composition degree program. Contact the
main
Department of Music office for information about applying to the
Department of Music and auditioning.
1.
A selection of your work (portfolio) that provides a profile of the
quality and variety of your compositional and/or arranging experience.
The portfolio should include an assortment of your notated works
that
you feel represent you well, and should be presented with clear music
manuscript or computer notation. Each score should be printed and
bound.
2.
If available, submit recordings of your selected works. All
recordings
should be on a single CD or DVD with your name and pieces clearly
labeled.
3.
A written statement (2 page maximum) regarding your musical
background
and goals in composition. This should include a description of
your
prior compositional experience, a description of your compositional
influences, and general goals for your study of composition.
Include a
paragraph about what it is about Towson's composition program that has
attracted you. Indicate whether you are interested in our
composition
or jazz/commercial composition degree. Also indicate what
instrument(s) or voice that you are currently studying.
The
composition faculty will review your portfolio and other application
materials and then schedule a brief interview with you. During
the
interview we will ask you to discuss aspects of your experience and
goals and we will offer answers to any questions that you might have
about our program at Towson University. The interviews typically
take
place in November for portfolios received on October 1st and in March
for portfolios received on February 1st.
Based
on the application materials, the portfolio review, and the interview,
the composition faculty will notify you regarding your acceptance
status.
Deadlines for receipt of all items:
February
1st to be considered for entry in the next Fall semester.
October
1st to be considered for entry in the next Spring semester.
Please submit your complete package of
materials to:
Professor William Kleinsasser
Department of Music
Towson University
8000 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21252
(410) 704-2817
wkleinsasser@towson.edu
If you have any questions please feel free
to contact Profs. Kleinsasser or Ballou.
The Graduate Degree Program at TU
THE GRADUATE DEGREE (Master of Music in Composition)
The
Master of Music degree
in composition emphasizes advanced creative work in contemporary music
intended for concentrated listening, often in concert hall settings, in
the tradition of American concert music.
Graduate
Assistantships
in composition, ranging from a few hundred dollars to full tuition for
several years, are available to selected graduate students. Additional
information regarding scholarship auditions is included in the
program's application
package.
Many programs are available to help students obtain financial
assistance. These programs include grants, loans and employment.
Contact the Financial Aid Office at (410) 830-4239 for further
information.
Request
more information
about the M.Mus. Degree.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION TO THE M.MUS DEGREE IN MUSIC
COMPOSITION AT TU
We
welcome any student with a strong background in composition to apply
for acceptance to the MM degree program. In order to assess your
background and better understand your compositional goals we need for
you to submit the following materials in addition to the Towson
University application and Department of Music application.
Requirements for acceptance into the
degree program:
Prerequisites:
1) Completion of an undergraduate degree in composition or the
equivalent, 2) proficiency in at least one area of performance
and 3)
evidence of accomplishment and promise as a creative composer.
If
an undergraduate degree in composition is not held by an applicant, the
equivalent is defined as a transcript that contains at least four
semesters of private composition lessons with a grade of B or higher,
presentation of a successful recital of original compositions that is
commensurate to the recital required of TU composition undergraduate
majors, and a portfolio of completed compositions and recorded
performances.
If
an applicant does not have an undergraduate composition degree or its
equivalent, a course of study in composition at the undergraduate level
can be recommended in order to obtain the equivalent experience needed
prior to acceptance into the Master of Music degree in composition.
Entrance
to the degree program is based on recommendation by the composition
faculty. Acceptance is based upon the following submitted
materials:
1.
A selection of works (portfolio) that provides a profile of the quality
and variety of compositional and/or arranging experience. The
portfolio should include an assortment of notated works and represent
the completion of a Bachelor of Music degree in composition or the
equivalent. The portfolio should include at least one work of
substantial proportion. The works in the portfolio should be presented
with clear music manuscript or computer notation.
2.
If available, submit recordings of your selected works demonstrating
your accomplishment during your composition Bachelor's degree (or
equivalent). All recordings should be on a single CD or DVD with
your
name and pieces clearly labeled.
3.
A written statement (2 page maximum) regarding your musical background
and goals in composition. This should include a description of
your
prior compositional experience, a description of your compositional
influences, and general goals for your study of composition.
Include a
paragraph about what it is about Towson's composition program that has
attracted you. Indicate whether you are interested in our
composition
or jazz/commercial composition degree. Also indicate what
instrument(s) or voice that you are currently studying.
The
composition faculty will review your portfolio and other application
materials and then schedule a brief interview with you before the end
of the semester you apply. During the interview we will ask you
to
discuss aspects of your experience and goals and we will offer answers
to any questions that you might have about our program at Towson
University. The interviews typically take place in November for
portfolios received on October 1st and in March for portfolios received
on February 1st.
Based
on the application materials, the portfolio review, and the interview,
the composition faculty will notify you regarding your acceptance
status.
Deadlines for receipt of all items:
February
1st to be considered for entry in the next Fall semester.
October
1st to be considered for entry in the next Spring semester.
Please submit your complete package of
materials to:
Professor William Kleinsasser
Department of Music
Towson University
8000 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21252
(410) 704-2817
wkleinsasser@towson.edu
If you have any questions please feel free
to contact Profs. Kleinsasser or Ballou.
