Composition Major (B.M.)

If you dream of writing inspiring music for bands, orchestras, choirs, films, video games or innovative chamber ensembles, then the Bachelor of Music in composition is for you. The music composition degree program at UNH builds on a core set of classes in music theory, analysis and history, and places heavy emphasis on composition and continuing to develop your skills as a performer. The major is recommended for students considering a professional career in composition or graduate study leading to an advanced degree.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

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Performing Ensembles are specified on the program requirements tab.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

All bachelor of music students are required to give a public performance during their senior year, which fulfills the Discovery Program capstone requirement:

For students in the composition option, a full lecture, lecture-recital or recital including at least one original composition is required.

Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. B.M. in music majors may use MUSI 502 Musics in Context (a required core course for the major) to satisfy the Inquiry Discovery category requirement, and MUSI 515 Music in World Cultures (a required core course for the major) to satisfy the World Cultures Discovery category requirement.

Music requirements must receive a grade of C- or better.

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Students will be given the opportunity to test out of MUSI 471 Theory I, MUSI 475 Functional Piano I, MUSI 476 Functional Piano I and MUSI 575 Functional Piano II, MUSI 576 Functional Piano II.

Bachelor of Music in Composition

Degree program has final approval from the National Association of Schools of Music.

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This is in addition to the other 700-level theory classes outlined above.

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This is in addition to the core required 700-level music history class.

Students in the bachelor of music in composition degree program may use a maximum of 8 ensemble credits toward graduation.

Students in the bachelor of music in composition degree are required to attend 8 semesters of composition seminar.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will exhibit the skills necessary for artistic expression at the highest possible level as defined by their particular area of concentration in solo and small ensemble (not conducted) and large ensemble (conducted) settings.
• Students will exhibit competency in musicianship and analysis through: their understanding of musical forms and processes; aural, verbal and visual analyses; skill in performance; academic, pedagogical, and compositional applications; rudimentary ability to create derivative or original music.
• Students will demonstrate familiarity with musical literature from the formal concert repertory and from musical traditions outside of that repertory. Students will demonstrate the ability to place music in historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts.
• Students will demonstrate collegiate-level skill in the English language and competence in written and oral communication in English.
• Demonstrate the ability to use technologies current to their area of specialization for professional development and entrepreneurship, and career preparation and promotion.
• Demonstrate skill in the use of standard concepts, tools, techniques, and procedures to develop a composition from concept to finished product.
• Manage a formal performance of a finished product.