Student playing the piano on a dimmed stage.

Music Composition Major (BMus)

Composition: A Real-Time Practice of Art and Performance

Explore the creation of emotional soundscape within Houghton’s Bachelor of Music in Composition. The history of the arts as we know it would be nothing without the foundation of musical composition, demanding novel pieces to fit the style of an era’s expressionism. The Bachelor of Music in Composition at Houghton will provide you with an advanced foundation for careers in professional and/or commercial compositional industries (marketing, film-scoring, concert performance, lecture instruction) while providing an expansive study of music theory and compositional techniques within a multitude of genres.

Explore Your Passion of Sound Your Way

You will have the opportunity to study with instructors who have acquired passion and proficiency in their musical discipline while touring with one of our acclaimed ensembles—orchestra, band, choir, jazz, and chamber. Or if you prefer to pursue a career behind the scenes, discover your potential as a recording artist, earning a Pro Tools certification in our state-of-the-art recording studios.

A Reputable Name in Music.

From its dedicated faculty and top-notch facilities, Houghton is a top accredited member of NASM (National Association of Schools of Music), the principal U.S. accreditor for music in higher education.

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s BMus in Music Composition, you will learn to acquire the dexterity behind the vibrant production of new sounds through:

  • Developing a unique and independent voice as a composer.
  • Obtaining familiarity with professional skills necessary to engage and network with the world of music as a composer.
  • Mastering logistical writing in various forms of instrumentations and styles while understanding related work by former and current composers.
  • Discovering and developing independent career goals pertaining to your interests and strengths.
  • Performing recitals and additional performances
  • Music accompaniment is free to students

128 credits

85-92

Required Courses

29

Applied

Degree Requirements

Program Outcomes

Students earning a BMus degree in Music from Houghton University are prepared to for careers in many areas of the music industry, including but not limited to:

Employment Expected to Grow 10%

for PRODUCERS and DIRECTORS
U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsSource

What Graduates Say:

Application Requirements

1

Start Your Application

Complete the application here
Apply Now
2

Documents and Supporting Materials

You’ll be asked to provide your official high school transcript and your test scores (can be waived)
Testing Policy
3

Personal Statement

The personal statement portion of our application for admission is perhaps the best place to truly tell your story, to tell who you are and what is important to you.
Personal Statement

Have Questions?

Discover if earning your degree in Music from Houghton University is right for you.