Overview

The Composition programme at the University of Michigan provides an immersive environment for aspiring composers to refine their technical skills and creative vision. This undergraduate degree integrates traditional foundations with contemporary innovation, ensuring students are prepared for the evolving landscape of modern music. By engaging with a diverse community of performers and scholars, participants gain the practical experience necessary to see their original works brought to life on stage.

Why Composition at the University of Michigan?

The University of Michigan is renowned for its School of Music, Theatre & Dance, which fosters a collaborative atmosphere where composers work closely with talented instrumentalists and vocalists. Students benefit from a faculty of internationally recognised composers who provide individualised mentorship and guidance. The institution's extensive resources, including state-of-the-art recording studios and diverse ensemble opportunities, allow students to experiment with various genres and media, from orchestral works to electronic music.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 63962 per year
National fee: USD 63962 per year
Local fee: USD 18346 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of musical structure, theory, and history while prioritising original creative output. Modules may include:

Composition
Music Theory
Aural Skills
Musicology
Orchestration
Electronic Music
Analysis of Contemporary Music
Conducting
Keyboard Skills

Careers with Composition

Graduates of the University of Michigan often pursue successful careers as independent composers, arrangers, and orchestrators for film, television, and video games. Many alumni find opportunities in arts administration, music publishing, or as educators in higher education and private studios. The programme's strong emphasis on professional development also prepares students for prestigious commissions and residencies with major orchestras and contemporary music ensembles worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music

Musicology

Music Theory

Instruments
Performance

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ann Arbor, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition Music Performance View 311 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

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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 Common Application or Coalition Application with $75 application fee* payment (Please note that both application options include specific University of Michigan questions, and there is no advantage to submitting one over the other.)

High school transcript (additional requirements by country)

School Report (Common App) or Counselor Recommendation (Coalition App)*

One Teacher Evaluation (academic teacher)

SAT or ACT score

TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS scores (for non-native speakers of English)

Official college transcripts (for high school students dual enrolled in a college or university; additional requirements by country)

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

63962 USD / year

≈ 63962 USD / year
Out-of-State

63962 USD / year

≈ 63962 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18346 USD / year

≈ 18346 USD / year

Living costs

Ann Arbor

United States

1025 - 1870 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 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

Ann Arbor

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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