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Bachelor of Music in Composition

The Bachelor of Music in Composition is an intensive, pre-professional program that will prepare you to focus on music, as you prepare for an intentional career in composition. 

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Music

Program Types

Major, Undergraduate

Mode of Study

On Campus

What is a composition degree?

A composition degree is an intense, pre-professional program where you will undergo skilled training in all facets of composition. In addition to preparing for a career in composition, you will have a weekly private lesson and will additionally participate in the Composition Studio Class, which meets weekly to discuss topics in the field of composition and contemporary music. 

Why should you major in composition at Redlands?

Majoring in composition at Redlands will engage the continued study and practice of your major instrument, ensuring you are able to perform professionally. Housed in the Conservatory of Music at Redlands, the second oldest, nationally accredited Conservatory of Music in California, the program will provide you with rigorous training that embraces and promotes a high level of musicianship, stylistic diversity, technical proficiency, musical sensitivity, and aesthetic engagement while creating a positive and supportive space for musical growth. Each semester, the studio presents a recital where you and your peers will produce, perform, and record works you have completed during the term at a public concert. Acceptance into the program is based on passing an entrance audition, performed during the admissions process, or no later than the end of spring semester of your first year. For more information about the audition, contact Brad Andrews, Director of Admissions for the School of Performing Arts, at brad_andrews@redlands.edu or (909) 748-8014

 

 

 

Classes you'll take

To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.

Basic Music Courses (all majors) plus:

  • MUS 438 Composition-12 credits
  • MUAP 300–399 Private Instruction on the Major Instrument or Voice-8 credits
  • MUS 208 Computer Music-4 credits
  • MUS 299 Upper Division Qualifying Examination-0 credits
  • MUS 354 Counterpoint-4 credits
  • MUS 356 Orchestration-4 credits
  • MUS 399A Junior Recital-0 credits
  • MUS 406 Twentieth Century Music Literature-4 credits
  • MUS 498A Full Senior Recital-0 credits
  • Appropriate conducted ensemble-8 credits
  • Chamber Ensemble-4 credits
Conservatory of Music Application and Audition dates and deadlines
Spring 2025 application deadline
November 1, 2024
Spring 2025 audition deadline
December 1, 2025
Fall 2025 - University of Redlands Marin Campus
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Fall 2025 – University of Redlands
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Fall 2025 - Video audition submission deadline
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Fall 2025 - Virtual Interviews for Composition and Video Auditions
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Fall 2025 - University of Redlands
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Apply Now

What you'll learn

As you will learn artistic judgement by cultivating and articulating well-informed opinions on musical quality and interpretation.
You will learn stylistic versatility by performing across a diverse range of musical styles with authenticity and skill.
You will learn to achieve the technical skills necessary for expressive performance specific to one's musical focus.
You will learn to combine musical knowledge and leadership skills to effectively collaborate and guide interpretative decisions in group settings.
View catalog to learn more

What you'll learn

Mutiple media - Music student playing instrument

Graduates pursue careers in

As a composer you will create original music across various genres for concerts, films, tv, theater, video games, or other multimedia projects.

As a conductor you will lead orchestras and ensembles, interpreting musical scores and guiding musicians during performances and rehearsals.
You will be able to arrange compositions to suit different types of ensembles and orchestras, enhancing musical textures and dynamics.
As a music producer you will manage the recording and production process of music, shaping the sound and direction of musical projects in the studio.

Graduates pursue careers in

Mutiple media - Musician drummer

Want to know more?

Get in touch with our admissions team.

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