Overview

The Music - Composition programme at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a rigorous creative environment where students explore diverse musical traditions. This degree integrates technical mastery with artistic innovation, preparing graduates for professional success in the global contemporary music landscape.

Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises multicultural perspectives, drawing from the unique cultural heritage of the Pacific and Asia. The department encourages close collaboration between students and faculty, ensuring that every individual receives personalised feedback to refine their compositional technique. This approach helps students glean essential skills from various experts while fostering their own distinct musical identity.

Why Music - Composition at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?

The institution is renowned for its ethnomusicology expertise, offering students the rare chance to compose for traditional instruments such as the Koto, Gamelan, and Shakuhachi. This distinctive feature allows composers to blend Western classical traditions with diverse global sounds. The university maintains strong partnerships with professional organisations, including the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, which hosts annual reading sessions for student works.

Facilities include specialised performance spaces and a technology centre designed for modern musical needs. Students also benefit from frequent residencies featuring world-class composers and performers, providing direct insight into the professional industry. These collaborations often result in public performances of student compositions during the Young Composers Symposium, offering invaluable practical experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33552 per year
National fee: USD 33552 per year
Local fee: USD 11520 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Theory and Aural Training
Music History
Applied Music
Secondary Piano
Composer/performer collaboration
Performance Techniques
Composition Seminar
Ethnomusicology
Conducting
Advanced Theory
Advanced Literature
Composition

Careers with Music - Composition

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the arts and creative industries, often finding success as professional composers, orchestrators, or arrangers. The programme's emphasis on collaboration and professional readings helps students build a portfolio suitable for commissions in film, media, and concert music. Many alumni also pursue further academic study or roles in music education and arts administration.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theory and Aural Training
Music History
Applied Music
Secondary Piano
Ensembles
Composer/performer collaboration
Performance Techniques
Composition Seminar
Ethnomusicology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Honolulu, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 2679 other Bachelors in Music in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Freshman Application!

Application Fee: $70 U.S.

Official High School Transcripts

Letter of Recommendation

Personal Statement & List of Achievements Form

Official Standardized Test Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Out-of-State

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11520 USD / year

≈ 11520 USD / year

Living costs

Honolulu

United States

1640 - 2500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music - Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Honolulu

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners