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.
