Applying
for the Undergraduate Composition Degrees at Towson University
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION TO THE
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN MUSIC COMPOSITION AT TU
We welcome students 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 January-March for portfolios received on December
21st. Interviews can be scheduled during audition days.
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: December 21st to be considered
for entry in the next Fall semester. October 1st to be considered
for mid-year 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.
