Overview

Key facts:

All members of the Composition faculty at Carnegie Mellon University are professional composers, who share the creative evolution of their own works with their students in a master/apprentice relationship. Students compose works for all types of instrumental and vocal groupings.
The School of Music’s Contemporary Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and the School’s resident string quartet provide performance and reading opportunities of new student works. Each spring, the quartet holds a string quartet competition of student works. All entries are presented in a public reading session; the winning composition is then performed and recorded by the quartet.
In their senior year, composition majors compose an orchestral piece to be performed and recorded by the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic. Each year the renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra also presents a public reading of student orchestral pieces from Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne University, and University of Pittsburgh.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Theory
Studio
Music History
Major Ensemble
General Studies Courses
Eurhythmics
Keyboard Studies
Solfege

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

135

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Credits

392 alternative credits

Carnegie Mellon courses are measured in units rather than credits or credit hours

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Music Composition View 336 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

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Review the academic requirements and guidelines through the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Review the audition/portfolio requirements for your program of study.
Complete the Common Application. *please note that applicants to School of Music programs do not need to complete a SlideRoom Art Supplement.
Complete the School of Music Online Application.
The School of Music Online Application will ask all applicants for a music resume, repertoire list, and a 500-word personal statement (this can be the same as your CommonApp, if it is music related).
Submit one letter of recommendation from a private teacher or conductor online through the School of Music application (this is separate from recommendations required by the Office of Undergraduate Admission). Music recommendation letters must be received by January 4.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Carnegie Mellon University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

67020 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 67020 USD per year during 48 months.
National

67020 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 67020 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

67020 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 67020 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Pittsburgh

1148 - 1944 USD /month

Living costs

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.

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