Demonstrate an understanding of musical forms, processes and structures and the ability to place music in historical, cultural and stylistic contexts.
Master of Music in Composition
Discover professional training in all facets of composition with a Master of Music in Composition degree.
Degrees Offered
Master of Music
Program Types
Graduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Conservatory of MusicSchool / College
College of Arts and Sciences
What is a Master of Music in Music Composition degree?
A Master of Music in Music Composition is a graduate degree focused on the art and craft of creating original music. This program is designed for aspiring composers who want to develop their compositional skills, explore various music styles and genres, and gain a deeper understanding of music theory, orchestration, and contemporary compositional techniques. It combines creative work with scholarly study and practical training.
Why earn this degree at Redlands?
With an emphasis on real-world experience, the University of Redlands’ Master of Music degree in Music Composition prepares aspiring composers for meaningful lives as impactful musical professionals. Our four-year composition program is grounded in a rigorous conservatory training that values composition practice, creative inquiry, and community engagement through a diverse array of classes and pre-professional opportunities. Enjoy live performances of your music from our award-winning, faculty-led large ensembles. Collaborate with student filmmakers, animators, and video game designers through our dedicated partnership with the students and faculty at Woodbury University’s School of Media: Culture: Design. And engage with leading voices in our field through the Loewe Fellowship, which brings America’s preeminent composers to Redlands for a week-long residency with our students.
Through our focus on high standards and compassionate teaching, we work with each of our students as artists first, helping them discover, through hard work, guided focus, and encouragement, their truest and most enthralling musical work.
Classes you'll take
To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
What you'll learn
- Develop and defend musical judgements.
- Demonstrate the ability to realize a variety of musical styles.
- Demonstrate the technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression at a level appropriate for the particular music concentration.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation.
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Program info
The Conservatory of Music offers rolling admissions for graduate programs and will continue to accept applications throughout the year. However, the deadline for graduate assistantship consideration is April 1st.
Application Checklist:
- Completed music application (no application fee required)
- Music Audition
- Official transcripts from all schools where a bachelor's or master's was or will be conferred. *In some cases transcripts from other institutions attended may be required.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- International graduate music applicants should review additional requirements here.
Please be sure to review the Audition Requirements for your intended major. We encourage you to learn more about the Conservatory of Music programs by visiting our campus and meeting with a faculty member.
Auditions:
- Saturday, February 7 – University of Redlands main campus
- Saturday, February 14 - University of Redlands main campus
- Sunday, February 15 - Video audition submission deadline
- Saturday, February 21 - Virtual interviews for composition applicants and those who submit a video audition
Video auditions and composition scores must be submitted via the Music Application Portal.
If you have any questions about the process, or would like to schedule a visit and/or sample lession, contact the Brad Andrews, Director of Admissions for the School of Performing Arts, at brad_andrews@redlands.edu or (909) 748-8014.
Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15
Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Spring Term
Priority 1 Deadline: October 1
Priority 2 Deadline: December 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
Find us on campus
Watchorn Hall
Contact us
For more info on the program, application, or audition, contact Brad Andrews, Director of Admissions for the School of Performing Arts.
200+ annual recitals and concerts
200+ annual recitals and concerts
Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chapel Singers, University Choir, Opera Workshop, Studio Big Band, Jazz Improvisation Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Low Brass Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, Rhythm Ave Singers, and Mariachi Tierras Rojas.
• Feast of Lights is a University of Redlands holiday tradition since 1947, the Feast features the choral and instrumental programs.
• Opera Workshop performs a major production with orchestra each spring.
• Musical Theatre and Opera have the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) students work in collaboration with faculty to produce and perform a full staged musical production or opera in alternating years.
• Opera Workshop performs a major production with orchestra each spring.
• Musical Theatre and Opera have the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) students work in collaboration with faculty to produce and perform a full staged musical production or opera in alternating years.
• The Conservatory of Music has a close relationship with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra (RSO). Students have opportunities to play in the RSO as an assistant, substitute, or section player.
• Undergraduate and graduate music students can compete to perform in the President's Honor Recitial.
• Undergraduate and graduate music students can compete to perform in the President's Honor Recitial.
Conservatory of Music
In the Conservatory of Music, our goal is to help each student achieve their potential to become a well-rounded musician. Our faculty are accomplished performers, composers, scholars, and educators dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians. Explore all our music programs, upcoming recitals, featured events, and ensemble opportunities.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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