Bachelor of Music in Music Composition

Admission to the Bachelor of Music in Music Composition has been suspended. Please consider enrollment in one of our other Music programs.

Composition Faculty

Dr. Dave Morgan
Bliss Hall 3041
Phone: 330.941.1930
E-mail: dsmorgan@ysu.edu

Composition 

The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Composition provides exceptional individualized applied studio instruction, large and chamber ensemble performance experiences as both composers and performers, and supportive courses in piano and music theory and history. In addition, the program provides multiple avenues for students to diversify their studies with elective classes and professional skills that are relevant to their areas of interest. The B.M. focuses on the professional development and unique career goals of each student.

B.M. in Composition students work closely with faculty to develop skills they will use throughout their professional careers and that support their development as artists who communicate with their audiences with authenticity. They have the opportunity to take classes in music technology, music industry, and recording to ensure that they are prepared for the variety of media in which contemporary composers work (e.g., concert stage, film, musical theatre, video games, advertising, internet, arranging, orchestration). They also have numerous chances to have their music performed, compose for marquee ensembles (e.g., Jazz Ensemble and Combos, Contemporary and Pop Ensembles, Dana Chorale, Wind Ensemble), and premiere their works in venues throughout the region.

Students pursuing the B.M. in Composition work closely with a world-class faculty of performers, composers, and scholars who hold advanced degrees from some of the world’s finest institutions, including Juilliard, Cincinnati Conservatory, Eastman, Cleveland Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, University of Southern California, Florida State University, and University of Texas. Our faculty work with students to support their unique aspirations through the development of strategic experiences, thus enabling them to pursue a variety of professional opportunities in multiple contexts.

The B.M. in Composition prepares students to develop careers in a myriad of fields. Our alumni are Grammy®Award winning composers, arrangers, and audio engineers and may be found recording in Hollywood and Nashville studios; touring with diverse acts; and working as academic faculty. Our degree helps students define future professional goals and equips them with exceptional skills for a successful career.

Dana School of Music Contact Information

To learn more about our degree programs, scholarships, performances, faculty, and students, contact the Dana School of Music directly at 330-941-3635. To schedule a personalized campus visit, contact the Cliffe College of Creative Arts Program Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at 330-941-2346 or sawaltman@ysu.edu. We would love to hear about your interests, show you our school, and become an important part of your future. 

• All undergraduate music majors are required to attend 12 approved performances each semester for six consecutive semesters beginning in the freshman year.
• Applied lesson must be taken concurrently with an ensemble each semester.

• All undergraduate music majors are required to attend 12 approved performances each semester for six consecutive semesters beginning in the freshman year.
• Applied lesson must be taken concurrently with an ensemble each semester.

Learning Outcomes

The student learning outcomes for the major in music are as follows:

• Students will perform a public recital in their applied area.
• Students will analyze music, discriminate pitch, harmony, and rhythm and perform harmonic progressions at the piano.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking about the various historical periods, cultural contexts, and social forces that influence musical activity.
• Students will demonstrate basic keyboard proficiency including scales, arpeggios, harmonization, repertoire, transpositions, and score reading.
• Students will compose music in a variety of genres.