Music Composition University of Oregon

Overview

The Music Composition programme at the University of Oregon offers a rigorous academic environment for students dedicated to the art of creating original music. This undergraduate degree integrates advanced compositional techniques with a broad understanding of historical and contemporary musical landscapes.

At the heart of the experience is a thriving artistic community consisting of approximately forty to forty-five composers across various levels of study. This collaborative atmosphere ensures that students are constantly challenged and inspired by their peers while receiving expert guidance from faculty members.

The curriculum is uniquely comprehensive, merging traditional compositional studies with modern intermedia technology and ethnomusicology.

Why Music Composition at the University of Oregon?

The University of Oregon is home to a diverse yet focused curriculum that prepares each student for a successful future as a professional composer. The institution provides an intensive career development seminar specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic study and the professional world.

Facilities and performance opportunities are a cornerstone of the programme, with numerous platforms available for showcasing new works. Students benefit from participating in the Oregon Composers Forum, the Music Today Festival, and the prestigious Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium.

The university also hosts five student-run new music ensembles, providing a practical space for experimentation and performance. Distinctive features include the Composing for Orchestra Seminar and the Pacific Rim Gamelan, which offer students rare opportunities to write for diverse instrumental groups.

Many participants in the programme are also accomplished vocalists, instrumentalists, or conductors. This dual focus allows students to perform their own original works and those of their colleagues, fostering a deep understanding of the relationship between the composer and the performer.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 46077 per year
• National fee: USD 46077 per year
• Local fee: USD 16755 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum provides a balanced approach to musical education, focusing on both creative output and technical proficiency. Modules may include:

• Music Composition
• Music Theory
• Music History
• Ethnomusicology
• Intermedia Technology
• Contemporary Performance Practice
• Multimedia Collaboration
• Career Development

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a variety of professional pathways within the global music industry. The focus on career development ensures that students understand the logistical and business aspects of being a working composer in the modern era.

Potential career outcomes include roles as professional composers for film, television, or video games, as well as positions in contemporary concert music. The skills gained in intermedia technology and multimedia collaboration also open doors to roles in digital media and sound design.

Many alumni continue their journey as performers or conductors, leveraging the extensive stage experience gained during their time at the university. The programme provides a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic study at the master's or doctoral level.