M.F.A. in Music Scoring & Composition

Entry requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 500

1. Academic Qualifications:

• For Postgraduate Programs, international students are required to have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. The academic qualifications must be equivalent to U.S. standards.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7 with no individual band score less than 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 82.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum DET score of 110 is required.

The Academy of Art University offers a range of scholarships to international students, helping to make art and design education more accessible. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs, and they can significantly ease the financial burden of tuition. 

1. International Student Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for international students who are applying for undergraduate programs. The award amount varies, and eligibility criteria may include a strong academic background, portfolio quality, and a passion for art and design.

2. The Spring Show Scholarship: The Spring Show is an annual event showcasing the best works from the Academy's students. This scholarship recognizes students who have participated in this event and demonstrated exceptional talent. It can be a substantial financial aid package.

3. Athletic Scholarship: International students with exceptional athletic skills may be eligible for athletic scholarships. The availability and amount of these scholarships depend on the student's performance and contribution to the university's sports teams.

4. Academic Scholarships: The Academy of Art University offers various academic scholarships based on a student's academic performance. Students who have achieved excellence in their previous studies may qualify for these scholarships.

5. Portfolio Scholarships: Many scholarships are awarded based on the quality of a student's portfolio. These scholarships often require students to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their artistic skills and creativity.

6. Alumni Scholarships: The Academy values its alumni and offers scholarships to relatives of alumni. This scholarship may be open to international students who have family members who attended the university.

7. Graduate Scholarships: International students pursuing graduate programs can also access scholarships based on their academic achievements and career goals. These scholarships can help offset the costs of a master's or doctoral degree.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and criteria may change over time.

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program in Music Scoring & Composition at the Academy of Art University equips aspiring composers with advanced skills, industry knowledge, and a creative edge. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of exciting and fulfilling career prospects in the field of music composition.  

1. Film and Television Scoring: M.F.A. graduates in Music Scoring & Composition are in high demand in the film and television industry. They can work as film composers, creating original scores and soundtracks that enhance the emotional impact of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and animations. Careers in film scoring offer the opportunity to collaborate with filmmakers, directors, and studios to create memorable musical experiences for audiences.

2. Video Game Composition: The video game industry has grown exponentially, and with it, the demand for skilled composers who can create immersive and dynamic soundtracks. Graduates can find rewarding careers as video game composers, crafting music that enhances gameplay experiences. This field allows for creativity and innovation in scoring for diverse game genres, from action-packed adventures to atmospheric puzzle games.

3. Advertising and Marketing: In the world of advertising, music plays a critical role in creating memorable and impactful commercials. M.F.A. graduates can compose music for advertisements, helping brands convey their messages effectively. Advertising agencies and production houses often seek skilled composers to develop jingles, themes, and background music that resonate with consumers.

4. Concert Composition and Performance: For those who have a passion for live performance, an M.F.A. in Music Scoring & Composition can lead to a career as a concert composer. Graduates can compose contemporary classical music, orchestral works, chamber music, and more, which can be performed by symphony orchestras, ensembles, and solo musicians.

5. Music Production and Engineering: Music producers and engineers play a pivotal role in the recording industry. Graduates with an M.F.A. can venture into music production, overseeing recording sessions, mixing, and mastering. This career path is ideal for those with a keen ear for audio quality and a strong understanding of music technology.

6. Studio Musicians and Arrangers: Music arrangers and studio musicians are instrumental in creating musical arrangements for various projects. Graduates may find opportunities to work as arrangers who adapt existing compositions for different settings or as session musicians, contributing to the recording of music across genres.

7. Music Education: For those who are passionate about teaching, the field of music education offers career prospects. Graduates can become music educators, teaching composition, music theory, and performance at various educational levels, from K-12 schools to colleges and universities.

8. Freelance Composers: Many M.F.A. graduates choose to work as freelance composers, offering their services across various mediums, from film and video games to theater and multimedia projects. Freelancing provides creative independence and the flexibility to work on a wide range of projects.

9. Publishing and Licensing: Some graduates opt for careers in music publishing and licensing. They can work for music publishing companies, overseeing the distribution and licensing of compositions for commercial use, including in films, TV, advertising, and more.

10. Collaborative Opportunities: The skills acquired in the M.F.A. program also open doors for collaborative opportunities with other artists, such as choreographers, visual artists, and performance artists, enabling graduates to create interdisciplinary and innovative works.