Overview

The Composition programme from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign prepares students for careers as composers and educators, as well as graduate study in composition or music theory. They offer comprehensive course work in composition and music theory, with specialized courses in:

Orchestration

Analysis

Music informatics

Recording

Experimental and electro-acoustic music

Computer music

Hear your compositions played by talented musicians

Opportunities include the New Opera Initiative which focuses on new work by students and visiting composers, the 21st Century Piano Commission Award which pairs student composers and pianists and presents annual concerts at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the Illinois Modern Ensemble, and many more.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Theory and Practice

Musicianship

The History of Music

Applied Music Lessons

Elements of Conducting

Analysis of Musical Form

Orchestration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Urbana, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 312 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

120

Take A Free Practice 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

To be considered for acceptance into the BMUS in Composition program, applicants must:

Complete an audition on your primary instrument.

Submit a portfolio of 3 to 5 original compositions for any instrumentation, including electronic music. Be sure to proof-read scores and make them as professional looking as possible. Please include recordings if you have them.

Participate in a 10-minute interview with members of the Composition/Theory faculty. During the interview, applicants will be asked about their musical background, educational interests, and long-term professional goals. Applicants will also have the opportunity to ask the faculty questions.

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

39392 USD / year

≈ 39392 USD / year
Out-of-State

38398 USD / year

≈ 38398 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18046 USD / year

≈ 18046 USD / year

Living costs

Urbana

United States

1100 - 1500 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

Hear your compositions played by talented musicians

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

Urbana

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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