Overview

The Composition programme at Indiana University Bloomington provides an immersive educational experience designed for students aiming to shape the future of music. This course integrates rigorous academic study with practical creative opportunities at one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States.

Students engage with a curriculum that balances traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. The university provides a supportive atmosphere where individual artistic voices are nurtured by expert faculty members. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared for the complexities of the modern musical landscape.

The learning environment is characterised by collaboration and high standards of performance.

Why Composition at Indiana University Bloomington?

Indiana University Bloomington is recognised globally for its institutional strengths in the arts and humanities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities that allow students to experiment with various acoustic and digital mediums. These resources support a bold and innovative approach to musical education.

The university maintains high national rankings, particularly for its online and professional offerings, reflecting a commitment to accessible and high-quality instruction. Students benefit from a diverse community where over 80 languages are taught and hundreds of student organisations provide a rich extracurricular life.

Distinctive teaching features include a focus on precision science and research breakthroughs, which inform the broader academic culture. The institution encourages students to turn their interests into successful careers through a combination of world-class degree programmes and extensive study abroad opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 42294 per year
National fee: USD 42294 per year
Local fee: USD 12142 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Composition
Music Theory
Orchestration
Electronic Music
Counterpoint
Music History
Aural Skills
Conducting
Contemporary Music Ensemble

Careers with Composition

Graduates from Indiana University Bloomington are prepared for diverse roles within the global music industry. Many alumni pursue careers as professional composers for film, television, and video games, while others find success in concert music and commissions. The programme provides a strong foundation for further academic study or teaching roles.

The university's focus on career preparation ensures that students develop the networking skills necessary to thrive in competitive creative sectors. Graduates often secure positions in arts administration, music publishing, and sound design. The degree serves as a significant stepping stone toward high-impact roles in the arts.

Programme Structure

Courses include

Notation and Calligraphy

Instrumentation

Free Counterpoint

Free Counterpoint

Composition Major

Senior Recital in Composition

Advanced Orchestration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bloomington, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 311 other Bachelors in Music Composition in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Academic performance and preparation
Strength and quality of your high school curriculum
Anticipated completion of secondary school before you start at IU
Recent grade trends
SAT or ACT results
Essays
Extracurricular activities
Community service
Work experience

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

42294 USD / year

≈ 42294 USD / year
Out-of-State

42294 USD / year

≈ 42294 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12142 USD / year

≈ 12142 USD / year

Living costs

Bloomington

United States

1071 - 1733 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Bloomington

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners