Overview

The Composition degree at University of Southern California offers thorough training in composition, musicianship, theory, analysis, orchestration, counterpoint and electro-acoustic composition.

Key Features

The composers on the USC Thornton School of Music faculty are outstanding members of the international musical community, with major commissions, awards, recordings and residencies among the faculty’s many accolades.

Composition students, among the finest in the country, regularly win national awards and commissions, including ASCAP and BMI awards, New York Symphony Orchestra First Music commissions, Aspen and Tanglewood fellowships, American Composers Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra reading sessions, among many others.

The USC Thornton Composition program strongly emphasizes performance opportunities for student-composers. Student works are premiered at Thornton Edge new music ensemble concerts, student department showcases and recitals, as well as at the annual New Music for Orchestra concert with the USC Thornton Symphony, an event which has premiered over 150 USC Thornton student orchestral works.

The USC Thornton choruses, Thornton Winds ensemble, Percussion ensemble and chamber music program provide composition students with significant reading and performance opportunities as well.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Instrumental Conducting and Orchestration

Aural Skills

Theory

Aural Skills

Music and Ideas

Western Art Music History

Western Art Music History

Careers in Music

Composition

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

132 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Los Angeles, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 2690 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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

The Common Application

Optional: Official Test Scores

Transcripts: First-year applicants should submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed.

One letter is required from either your school counselor or a teacher from your school.

Submit your fall grades (when available)

International applicants are required to submit the “Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support” and, if applicable, English proficiency exam scores at the time of application.

Provide a portfolio, a résumé and/or additional writing samples, if required by your intended major.

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

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year
Out-of-State

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year

Living costs

Los Angeles

United States

1520 - 2570 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Key Features

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

Los Angeles

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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