PROCEDURE
FOR APPLICATION TO THE M.MUS DEGREE IN MUSIC COMPOSITION AT TU
We
welcome students 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 January-March
for
portfolios received on December 21st.
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.
