Overview

The Music Composition programme at The University of Montana offers a rigorous and creative environment for aspiring composers to develop their unique artistic voices. Students engage in a curriculum that balances traditional musical foundations with cutting-edge technology to prepare for diverse careers in the modern music industry.

Throughout the four-year course of study, students receive intensive training in music theory, aural perception, and keyboard skills. The curriculum is designed to foster both technical mastery and creative exploration, ensuring that graduates possess a deep understanding of musical structures alongside practical experience in contemporary composition techniques.

Why Music Composition at The University of Montana?

The University of Montana provides a distinctive environment for musical growth, featuring specialised facilities for digital audio and multitracking. Students benefit from a structured progression that includes sequence, synthesis, and sampling, bridging the gap between acoustic composition and modern electronic music production.

The institution emphasises professional readiness through unique requirements such as the Piano Proficiency Assessment and the Upper-Division Required Performance. These milestones ensure that every student meets a high standard of musicianship and is prepared for the demands of a professional career or further postgraduate study.

Teaching at the university is characterised by a blend of individual mentorship and collaborative learning. With a strong focus on both historical context and 20th-century music, the programme encourages students to understand the evolution of their craft while pushing the boundaries of contemporary musical expression.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34838 per year
National fee: USD 34838 per year
Local fee: USD 9694 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Ensembles
Theory I, II
Keyboard Skills I, II
Music Literature
Aural Perception I, II
Applied Study I
Composition I
Digital Audio and Multitracking

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates of the programme are equipped to pursue various roles within the music industry, including professional composition for film, media, and live performance. The technical skills gained in digital audio and programming also open pathways into sound design, music production, and audio engineering for diverse creative sectors.

The degree provides a solid foundation for those seeking to work in arts administration, music education, or as freelance arrangers and orchestrators. Many students also choose to continue their academic journey by enrolling in Master of Music programmes to further specialise in specific areas of composition or musicology.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition
Counterpoint
Orchestration
Digital Audio & Multitracking
Sequencing, Synthesis, Sampling
Computer Music Programming

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Missoula, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Complete an online application
Pay the application fee
Submit official academic records
English language proficiency requirements
Academic records
Financial information
Copy of passport
Audition

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

34838 USD / year

≈ 34838 USD / year
Out-of-State

34838 USD / year

≈ 34838 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9694 USD / year

≈ 9694 USD / year

Living costs

Missoula

United States

1000 - 2071 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

Missoula

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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