BM Music Composition

The Master of Music in Composition prepares students to build their portfolio in preparation to pursue a Ph.D.

Entering master's students typically have an undergraduate degree in Composition and have a varied portfolio of several works for different types of ensembles or media.

Opportunities for composition students include:

• RED NOTE New Music Festival, a week of new music events by visiting composers and ensembles from around the country.
• Exclusive reading sessions for ISU composition students during RED NOTE from nationally prominent ensembles.
• Annual large ensemble readings with both the Illinois State University Wind Symphony and the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra with the opportunity for select pieces to be chosen for performance.
• Chamber concerts of new student works each semester.
• Private lessons with faculty and nationally recognized guest composers.
• Frequent performances by students, faculty, and guest artists. Recent guest performers include the ONIX Ensemble, Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, Transient Canvas, and the NOW Ensemble.