M.M. in Music Composition

Program Overview

The M.M. in Music Composition is typically a two-year, full-time program, with classes held in-person on the Chicago campus. Admissions are open for fall and occasionally spring start dates, with application deadlines usually in January or April for the following academic year. The program emphasizes the development of original works in both acoustic and electroacoustic media, with a strong focus on craftsmanship, professional skills, and the exploration of various musical styles. Students receive intensive one-on-one applied composition lessons and participate in Composition Seminars. A crucial component of the program is the public presentation of original compositions, culminating in a graduate composition recital.

NASM Accredited: Yes, Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA), including its music programs such as the M.M. in Music Composition, is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Roosevelt University is notably a founding member of NASM, which signifies a deep commitment to high standards in music education. This accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous national benchmarks for curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student outcomes in music composition and performance.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.M. in Music Composition is comprehensive, blending advanced compositional studies with supporting theoretical and historical coursework. Core components include multiple semesters of "Graduate Composition" lessons, where students receive individualized instruction to develop creative work in larger forms, potentially directed toward electroacoustic composition. "Composition Seminar" meets weekly to discuss relevant topics, feature guest lecturers and performers, and facilitate collaborative work. Students also engage in "Instrumentation and Orchestration" to gain a deep understanding of writing for various ensembles. The program culminates in a "Graduate Composition Recital," requiring a public presentation of at least 30 minutes of original acoustic, electroacoustic, or mixed-media works written during their residency, along with a "Graduate Composition Jury" and a final "Thesis" project (often a significant work for a large ensemble or electroacoustic media).

Research Focus: The M.M. in Music Composition at Roosevelt University inherently involves a deep form of artistic and applied research. While not traditional scientific research, students engage in rigorous inquiry into musical forms, structures, and sonic possibilities. They "research" through extensive listening, score analysis, and experimentation with various compositional techniques and technologies (including electroacoustic music). The program encourages exploration of different musical styles, demanding that composers understand the historical and theoretical underpinnings of diverse traditions. The creation of a substantial body of original work for the graduate recital and thesis serves as a form of artistic research, where composers investigate and push the boundaries of musical expression, demonstrating originality and craftsmanship based on their accumulated knowledge and creative exploration.

Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University fosters strong industry engagement for its M.M. in Music Composition program, benefiting significantly from its location in Chicago, a city with a vibrant new music scene. The program frequently brings in distinguished guest composers to teach lessons and give presentations, offering students direct interaction with leading figures in the field. Students have ample and regular opportunities for collaboration with other programs such as dance, piano, and opera, leading to formal performances of their own compositions. The CCPA also emphasizes practical professional skills and arts entrepreneurship. Many Roosevelt graduates have achieved recognition in the field, including prestigious awards and performances by renowned musicians and orchestras, and have even gone on to create their own successful musical organizations (like Access Contemporary Music or Chicago Composers Orchestra), demonstrating strong industry ties and a track record of launching professional careers.

Global Perspective: Roosevelt University's M.M. in Music Composition program cultivates a global perspective by encouraging students to explore a wide variety of musical styles and traditions, which naturally includes contemporary and historical music from diverse cultural backgrounds worldwide. The program’s curriculum implicitly encourages an understanding of how global artistic trends and influences impact contemporary composition. While the program is based in Chicago, the art of music composition itself transcends geographical boundaries, allowing students to explore universal human experiences through sound. The engagement with diverse guest artists and the potential for students to draw inspiration from a global palette of musical expression further broadens their artistic horizons, preparing them to contribute to the international community of composers.