Overview

The curriculum in the Music Composition major at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) focuses on fundamentals of creative compositional thinking and techniques that can be applied to any compositional style or application.

Key Facts

All new works composed by student composers receive workshops and performances by either students or professionals, and all are professionally recorded. Coursework involves a year of composition classes, including an introduction to electronic music and orchestration. This is followed by private lessons in which students compose the programme for their senior recital.

Most of UMBC’s full-time faculty specialize in contemporary music performance, and collectively they have premiered thousands of works in their careers. They often mentor or coach performances of student composers’ pieces. The annual Livewire Festival of Contemporary Music is always a highlight of the year and features both professional and student compositions.

Composition students work collaboratively to produce concerts of their works at UMBC each semester and learn practical entrepreneurial skills to promote their careers. Master classes with guest composers frequently augment the curriculum and give students a broad perspective on the rich and varied musical culture of the twenty-first century.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Musicianship Laboratory

Keyboard Skills

Musics of the World

Music History
Recital Preparation

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Baltimore Highlands, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

If you have or are currently earning your high school/secondary school diploma or equivalent but have not earned college credits at the university level AFTER earning your diploma, you should apply to UMBC as a first-year student.

We weigh a number of factors in making admission decisions. In addition to grade point average and standardized test scores, the strength of your curriculum, class rank, and other achievements as well as your essay will be considered. We expect applicants to have completed a strong college preparatory program of study from an accredited high school/secondary school.

If you have attended a postsecondary institution, such as a college or university, outside the United States, submit course by course credentials evaluated through one of the following evaluation services.

Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

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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

32160 USD / year

≈ 32160 USD / year

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

Key Facts

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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