BM in Composition

About this program

California State University, Fullerton's NASM-accredited School of Music offers the Bachelor of Music in the Composition Concentration through the Theory and Composition area. The composition program is guided by a faculty with diverse and extensive artistic and pedagogical experience. Two years of private, one-on-one studio instruction by composition faculty and a Recital Project distinguish the program from composition programs that focus solely on academic study. Classes cover traditional and contemporary aspects of compositional technique and craft. Strong instrumental studios at CSUF ensure support for a wide range of performance opportunities for composers, including the Composers Forum concert series, which focuses exclusively on works by student composers. A wide range of visiting composers and performers help foster a lively and serious discourse that complements the curricular offerings of the area. The curriculum covers comprehensive development of skills in music theory and musicianship, counterpoint, techniques of contemporary music, and form and analysis. Advanced courses are offered in special music theory topics, advanced form and analysis, and advanced techniques of contemporary music. Independent study projects are available in areas such as advanced orchestration, film music, text and music, women in music, and advanced music technology. All music majors must show basic proficiency as either a singer or instrumentalist to gain entrance to the School; composition students must demonstrate this through a performance audition in addition to the composition portfolio. Even students denied university admission may be advocated for admission by the School based on talent.

Audition & application overview

• Requires a live or recorded audition

Portfolio submission plus live on-campus performance audition on primary instrument or voice

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