Overview

The Composition programme at the University of Cincinnati offers students a rigorous environment to develop their unique creative voices within the world-renowned College-Conservatory of Music. Students engage with a curriculum that balances traditional musical foundations with cutting-edge technological innovation. This course prepares aspiring composers for professional careers through a combination of theoretical study and practical performance opportunities.

Why Composition at the University of Cincinnati?

Students benefit from the exceptional facilities at the Corbett Center and Mary Emery Hall, which provide dedicated spaces for rehearsal and performance. The University of Cincinnati is home to the Center for Computer Music, offering advanced laboratories for research into interactive performance, virtual reality, and multi-channel composition. Furthermore, the prestigious Alexander Zemlinsky Prize for Composition brings international distinction to the department, connecting students with world-class jury members and commissioning opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29728 per year
National fee: USD 29728 per year
Local fee: USD 14394 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive grounding in both historical and contemporary techniques. Modules may include:

Orchestration
Counterpoint
Electronic Music
Composition Symposium
Professional Aspects of a Composition Career
Computer Music
Music Theory
Musicology

Careers with Composition

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global music industry, focusing on original creative output and academic excellence. The programme equips students with the professional skills necessary to navigate careers as independent composers, media scorers, or sound designers. Many alumni pursue further advanced studies or find success in roles involving electronic music production, orchestration, and contemporary music performance.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition Major

Composition Symposium

Theory

Musicianship

Freshmen Experience Seminar

Functional Piano Skills

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cincinnati, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 312 other Bachelors in Music Composition 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

100

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 Common Application
Pay $100 non-refundable fee
Submit official School transcripts
Submit official test scores
Submit letter of recommendation (optional)

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

29728 USD / year

≈ 29728 USD / year
Out-of-State

29728 USD / year

≈ 29728 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14394 USD / year

≈ 14394 USD / year

Additional Details

Metro Rate: $14,576 per year.

Living costs

Cincinnati

United States

1000 - 1650 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

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Cincinnati

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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