Overview

The Music - Composition programme at Western Washington University offers a rigorous academic environment for students to master the art of creating original musical works. This degree integrates intensive private composition training with a solid foundation in music theory, history, and professional conducting skills.

Students within this major benefit from a collaborative community of artists and educators dedicated to inclusive and professional artistic experiences. The department is part of the College of Fine and Performing Arts, where learners are encouraged to explore their creativity through diverse modes and genres. Participants often achieve success in regional and national competitions while preparing for advanced global study.

Why Music - Composition at Western Washington University?

The institution provides exceptional facilities located within the Performing Arts Center, featuring a 700-seat Concert Hall and a 1,000-seat Mainstage Theatre. Students have access to a fleet of Steinway grand pianos, flexible black-box studio spaces, and over 30 fully-equipped practice rooms. These resources support a high-level professional environment for both creation and performance.

Distinctive teaching features include the opportunity for international travel and performance tours, with recent destinations including China, Spain, and Finland. The faculty emphasises the vital role of artists in the community, fostering a healthy atmosphere for growth. Additionally, the university provides significant financial support, awarding over $200,000 in scholarships annually to talented music students.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27690 per year
National fee: USD 27690 per year
Local fee: USD 8523 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Composition
Music Theory
Music History
Conducting
Aural Skills
Keyboarding Skills
Ensemble Performance

Careers with Music - Composition

Graduates from this programme are highly regarded within the professional music industry and often secure diverse roles. Many alumni find success composing original works for films, modern media, and professional ensembles. The degree also prepares students for careers in arts administration or as performers in symphony orchestras and opera houses.

Beyond creative production, the curriculum provides a strong foundation for those wishing to teach music at various educational levels, from primary schools to universities. Many graduates also choose to further their academic development by enrolling in some of the most prestigious graduate programmes both nationally and internationally.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music

Aural and Keyboard Skills

Theoretical and Analytical Skills

History of Music to 1600

History of Music 1600-1830

History of Music 1830-Present

Instrumental Conducting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00

More details

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bellingham, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 2679 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

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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 International Student Application for Admission

$60 non-refundable application fee

An essay that helps the Admissions Committee understand your academic goals, related experiences and/or preparatory course work, and professional goals

Official academic credentials

Evidence of English language proficiency

Statement of Financial Responsibility

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

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Out-of-State

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8523 USD / year

≈ 8523 USD / year

Living costs

Bellingham

United States

1109 - 1684 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 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

Bellingham

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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