Music Composition, B.A.
Program Transfer Guide
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Effective
Fall, 2024 - Current
Instruction Methods
In person
About the Program
The composition department provides a diverse and highly individualized foundation for students aspiring to build careers in composition with opportunities to create music for the stage, as well as collaborate with their fellow students in film, video and gaming. All new works composed by student composers receive workshops and performances by either students or professionals, and all are professionally recorded. Coursework involves a year of composition classes, including an introduction to electronic music.
The Department of Music offers programs of study in:
The Department of Music offers programs of study in:
The music department provides the one-on-one attention undergraduates need to flourish as young musicians within the resources of a medium-sized research university. We offer excellent large ensembles balanced with small classes in music theory, musicianship, music history or jazz. Music majors chose an area of emphasis in performance, performance/musicology, composition, music technology or music education.
The department stresses the interdependence of theory, history and performance. Students in the program explore the traditions of Western music and examine new music and other cultures, leading to a balanced understanding of music as a universal form of human artistic expression. Music is also studied in conjunction with an overview of the other arts, providing students with opportunities to interact with artists from other creative disciplines.
Students have many opportunities to gain performance experience. The department presents more than 100 concerts each year. UMBC's premier choir, the Maryland Camerata, has completed nine international tours. Students can also become involved in student-run academic groups such as the Council of Music Majors and Minors. The council organizes and sponsors guest lecturers and tutoring services for music students. Members also meet periodically to discuss issues of importance regarding the music program.
The music degree prepares students for advanced study in performance, theory, musicology, composition, recording or music education. Graduates typically continue on to graduate school, professional performance, studio teaching, research, composition or studio recording.
Auditions
Admission to study music at UMBC involves a two-part process, including application to the university AND an audition to be a music major. Students interested in early acceptance to UMBC must audition in November. Students interested in applying for scholarships are required to audition in February. All auditions last 10-15 minutes and are conducted privately with a small group of music faculty. To arrange for an audition, call 410-455-2942, and to view audition requirements see music.umbc.edu/apply/.