Hi everyone, I’m deciding which schools I’m gonna apply for graduate studies in composition.
I am an international student (from Mexico) and I thought of Los Angeles area for its closeness to Mexico, the cultural movement and the music that has been producing. Also, I’m looking for a traditional composing program (I do like experimentation, but I develop better in traditional music). So far I made a list that have, which I think, my best choices:
University of Southern California
University of California, Los Angeles
California Sate University, Long Beach
California Sate University, Northridge
University of California, San Diego
So I’m looking for advice if I’m choosing the right universities, or you suggest another. I would like to apply for at least 3 universities.
UCSD’s excellent grad program is “innovative” and “pushes the boundaries of contemporary music.” There is an emphasis on collaboration between composers, performers and scholars. Not really a “traditional” composing program, depending on what you mean by the term.
Others can chime in on UCLA, Long Beach and Northridge.
Are you applying to a master’s program or a doctoral program? Who are some of the composers you like?
At the grad level, I wouldn’t think geography would be the main concern, or even the culture of the location of the school. I would concentrate on the prevailing aesthetic at the school, and the fit between you and faculty. In other words, you might want to widen your search beyond California.
Also, funding varies widely, especially at the master’s level, so look at that factor too. Many grad students teach for a stipend.
Thanks for your response. I am planning to apply for master’s program. I am really into the works of Richard Danielpour (UCLA), Andrew Norman (USC), Roger Reynolds (UCSD), as also John Adams’s music.
I checked what you told my about USC’s instrumental requirement. What I understand is that the MM composition program offer individual instruction in any performance medium, but it is not required to apply an audition or pre-screen recording as it says in this link: http://music.usc.edu/admission/appreqs/composition/
Is that right? or am I wrong? (Btw, I am a pianist)
Thanks for your advices in searching beyond California, that really make me think; and also the funding factor… That would probably be a reason not to choose USC ($$$).
Yeah, quite different… I do like orchestra writing, but I also like writing for chamber music. Excuse me, do you know other good composition master program around USA (not too experimental) with a tuition, let say, less than $40,000?
I don’t have any information on your background or the level of your composing. You could consider SUNY’s (Purchase) because they are affordable and excellent, but may be more into “new music” than you want. There are many programs all over the country. Affordability will depend on funding. So the price part of suggesting schools is also hard. Do you have a teacher to consult with?
If you want to be near Mexico, in addition to the Southern California schools, check out Rice University in Houston, and University of Texas, Austin. There are so many choices for you for graduate work - and it will be a rare program that will cost anywhere near $40,000 after fellowships and teaching assignments. Have you looked at large programs like the University of Michigan or Indiana University?
On your California list, Northridge is known more for jazz than classical.
As @compmom says - we know nothing about the quality of your work, which will be instrumental in both admission and cost, as well as which programs we might steer you towards. Are you studying at a conservatory in Mexico currently? Do you have a portfolio of performed works? I’m sure @compmom is giving you great advice via PM!
Hi @SpiritManager, the portafolio I am going to present to the universities that I will apply consist in 3 pieces: a string quartet, a piece for piano and string orchestra and a full orchestra piece (this is the only i don’t have recording so it’ll have to midi, a good one).
I just checked in Texas, and I saw that University of North Texas has a nice program and is much affordable than others. Rice University is a good option too (but much more expensive).
Know that University of North Texas is best known for jazz not for classical. Stop looking at the price tags - they’re meaningless. You won’t know what a program will cost until after they accept you and offer you a fellowship and/or teaching position. (If they don’t offer you any fellowship then it is likely you are not a top applicant for their program. Which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t attend and pay full fare - but it’s a heads up.) Some programs can be more stingy with money than others. However, many composition grad students pay little to nothing for tuition, and often receive a stipend, as well, if they’re teaching. In some cases, like Yale, the stipend is automatic and there is no tuition. DMA and PhD programs in composition are almost always fully funded, and one can apply directly to them with only an undergrad degree, if you’re advanced enough.
Choose the program for the professors - and worry about the money, and location, later.
University of North Texas’ strength in its graduate composition program is in electronic music. I am also going to throw SMU in Dallas into the mix due to Dr. Wang XI. She is a fairly young wonderful composition professor who studied with Steven Stucky at Cornell, (may he rest in peace), and has won a Charles Ives award among others. UT-Austin is a good choice for graduate composition.
I sent you a long list of schools just so you could see the large number of options in the US. The Texas suggestions are good ones (Compdad’s comment about grad electronics is right on target: in fact that is the main reason I even know about UNT!) Your original California list was a good one too, though maybe add SF Conservatory.
Spirit Manager and Compdad know a lot about the states in question. They are great resources.
My impression has been that funding can sometimes be tricky at the master’s level. It is pretty much assured at the doctoral level. Doctoral students teach undergrads and get a stipend; In some places master’s degree students do too. I think affordability is an issue and encourage you to look into it at each place.
Yale and Curtis are tuition-free. Don’t know about any other schools in that regard.
One place you might find helpful online is grad café. Once on, find music and post a question.
Great that you have your portfolio…sounds wonderful and wishing you good luck!!!
I got accepted to the Master of Music in composition program at CSULB!! Didn’t make it on the others schools (UCLA, USC), but I am really excited for this opportunity ahead! Thanks a lot for you advices!