Overview

The Composition programme at Indiana University Bloomington provides an immersive environment for students to develop their unique creative voices. As a member of this world-renowned department, you will join a community of exceptional performers and creators dedicated to musical excellence. The curriculum is designed to foster technical mastery and artistic innovation through rigorous academic and practical training.

Why Composition at Indiana University Bloomington?

The department consistently ranks among the premier programmes globally, offering unparalleled resources for musical development. Students work alongside some of the finest young musicians in the world, ensuring that their original works are performed at the highest standard. The faculty is deeply committed to providing a stimulating environment that balances traditional foundations with contemporary exploration.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the rotating faculty mentorship system. Each year, you will receive private lessons from a different faculty member, ensuring exposure to diverse perspectives and creative insights. This approach broadens your artistic horizon and provides a well-rounded education in various compositional styles and techniques.

Facilities at the Jacobs School of Music include world-class performance halls and the specialised Center for Electronic and Computer Music. These resources allow students to experiment with a wide range of media, from traditional acoustic instruments to advanced electronic synthesis. The school’s vibrant atmosphere encourages frequent collaboration between composers and performers across all disciplines.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 42294 per year
National fee: USD 42294 per year
Local fee: USD 12142 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing a professional portfolio through intensive study and practical application. Modules may include:

Composition
Electronic and Computer Music
Music Scoring for Visual Media
Solo and Chamber Composition
Large Ensemble Composition
Composition Recital

Careers with Composition

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths within the global music industry. By the conclusion of the programme, students will have built a substantial portfolio of scores and high-quality recordings. This professional foundation supports transitions into roles such as independent composers, media scorers, or academic researchers.

The wealth of experience gained through interactions with visiting professionals and the internal Jacobs community provides a strong network for career advancement. Alumni often find success in film scoring, concert music, and digital media, leveraging the prestigious reputation of the university to secure positions in competitive creative sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Notation and Calligraphy
Instrumentation
Free Counterpoint
Advanced Orchestration
Musical Skills
Music Theory and Literature
History and Literature of Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bloomington, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 312 other Bachelors in Music Composition in United States

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

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

Completed online application

Common Application essay or Apply IU 200-400 word IU-specific essay

Academic records

Demonstration of English proficiency

Financial documents

Application fee or waiver

SAT or ACT exam scores (optional)

Letters 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

42294 USD / year

≈ 42294 USD / year
Out-of-State

42294 USD / year

≈ 42294 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12142 USD / year

≈ 12142 USD / year

Living costs

Bloomington

United States

1071 - 1733 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 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

Bloomington

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners