Music, M.Mu. - Music Composition Concentration

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Additional Admissions Requirements

Applicants must upload to Slate, the graduate application platform, a portfolio consisting of a minimum of five scores. These scores may be drawn from (but are not limited to) the following: solo for single-line instrument, solo for piano, vocal work with piano or small chamber accompaniment, choral work (with or without accompaniment), small mixed or standard chamber ensemble, large ensemble work (orchestra, chamber orchestra, band, wind ensemble), electroacoustic work for fixed media and at least one acoustic instrument, work for fixed media alone.

The faculty is interested in a diversified and balanced compositional background. Therefore, it is highly encouraged that students refrain from submitting different works with the same instrumentation (i.e., three piano solos, three fixed media pieces, etc.). If a fixed media work (or works) is submitted, it is expected that the applicant would also include acoustic compositions in the portfolio (even if the student is interested in the Computer Music / Electroacoustic Music emphasis).

The scores turned in as part of the portfolio must represent a total minimum duration of 25 minutes of music. All pieces must be fully and neatly notated with computer notation software. Recorded performances of submitted works are highly recommended for inclusion with the portfolio. MIDI realizations are acceptable but there is a strong preference for performance recordings. Works for fixed media alone must provide a written overview of the work either in a graphic or narrative format in lieu of a traditional score. Recordings of works without a score or written overview in the case of fixed media alone pieces will not be considered.

Concentration Requirements (36 Credit Hours)

Applied Music Requirements

APCP 8001 - Applied Composition I 3 Credit Hours
APCP 8002 - Applied Composition II 3 Credit Hours
APCP 8003 - Applied Composition III 3 Credit Hours
APCP 8004 - Applied Composition IV 3 Credit Hours

Required Courses

MUS 6210 - Composition Seminar 2 Credit Hours (Eight credits) (Four semesters)
MUS 6460 - Analysis of Post-Tonal Music 3 Credit Hours
MUS 8870 - Seminar in Music after 1900 3 Credit Hours
MUS 8890 - Composition Recital 3 Credit Hours
MUS 8910 - Final Project in Composition 2 Credit Hours

Graduate Music Electives

Five credits of graduate-level electives in music. The following electives are encouraged:

MUS 6110 - Instrumentation and Orchestration 3 Credit Hours
MUS 6450 - Advanced Tonal Analysis 3 Credit Hours
MUS 6480 - Choral Conducting 2 Credit Hours
MUS 6500 - Historical Counterpoint 3 Credit Hours
MUS 6971 - Survey of Electroacoustic Music 3 Credit Hours (Prerequisite: MUS 6730 or equivalent)
MUS 6980 - Electroacoustic Music Composition 3 Credit Hours
MUS 6981 - Computer Music 3 Credit Hours (Prerequisite: MUS 6030 or equivalent)
MUS 6982 - Advanced Topics in Computer Music 3 Credit Hours (Prerequisite: MUS 6981 or equivalent)
MUS 8430 - Special Topics in Music Theory 3 Credit Hours
MUS 8680 - Seminar in Instrumental Conducting 2 Credit Hours

Piano Proficiency Examination

A piano proficiency examination to be taken after the second semester of enrollment or 20 hours of study.

Comprehensive Examination

By the midpoint of the final semester of study, the student will schedule an oral and/or written examination. The committee should include at least three faculty members (including the applied instructor or area coordinator, one theory faculty member, and one history faculty member). The examinations will assess the student’s knowledge regarding repertoire, pedagogy, music theory, and music history. The student will be expected to synthesize his/her knowledge and demonstrate a high level of musical understanding. Preparation should include a detailed review of all graduate courses taken and a review of the music that has been studied and performed as part of the master’s program. Each area will determine the proficiency requirements for the Comprehensive Exam for the Major Area. The appropriate area will administer the Major Area portion of the comprehensive exam and students will be required to demonstrate proficiency as determined by their major professor and/or area coordinator. These exams may consist of paper, an oral exam, program notes for recital, a short lecture to be presented in conjunction with a recital, etc. Each foundation studies member will determine appropriate comprehensive examination questions based on the coursework the student has completed at Georgia State University in their appropriate field, and will administer the exam as they see fit. This can be an oral exam, written exam, papers, etc. It will be the student’s responsibility to complete all portions of these comprehensive exams and collect appropriate approval signatures from their major area, music history, and music theory and turn their final comprehensive exam form into the graduate director. Students planning to graduate in the Fall or Spring must complete the comprehensive examination by the end of the twelfth week of classes. Students planning to graduate in the Summer must complete the comprehensive examination by the end of the fourth week of classes.