Composition Concentration, Master of Music (M.Mu.) at Georgia State University

Programme overview

The Georgia State University Composition Concentration offers aspiring composers a comprehensive and immersive experience. The curriculum is designed to develop students' artistic expression and compositional skills across various musical genres and styles. Through individualized instruction, students work closely with experienced faculty, honing their composition techniques and exploring their unique creative voices. The program emphasizes traditional and contemporary composition approaches, fostering a well-rounded understanding of music theory, orchestration and electronic music.

Faculty: College of the Arts | Department: School of Music | Duration: Minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework must be completed in 4 semesters (2 years) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall: June 1 Spring: November 15 Summer: Does not admit | Location: Atlanta, GA, United States

What you will study

The graduate composition concentration at GSU offers an immersive and advanced curriculum for composers seeking to refine their artistic voice. Students in this program engage in a range of courses that delve into advanced composition techniques, contemporary music theory, orchestration, electronic music and interdisciplinary collaborations. Through individual composition lessons, seminars and workshops, students receive personalized guidance from distinguished faculty members who are accomplished composers themselves. The program emphasizes creative exploration, experimentation and the development of a distinctive compositional style.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Please note: You must apply to both the Georgia State Graduate School and the School of Music. Required University Application Materials: Transcript(s): Upload unofficial copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. The institution logo and your name must be present on the copies. Official transcripts will be required upon acceptance into the program. Official TOEFL/IELT Scores (international applicants only): Institutional code 5251 should be used for reporting TOEFL scores. Personal/Goal Statement: Please provide a statement of your educational and career goals (be as specific as possible). Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Upload within the online Slate application. Writing Sample: Provide a scholarly/research paper (3–5 pages in length) on a music-related subject that demonstrates intellectual engagement and critical thinking appropriate to beginning graduate-level academic work. The sample must include inline citations and a bibliography. Portfolio: Refer to Step 2 below for Portfolio requirements. Letters of recommendation: 2 letters of recommendation are required.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate programmes (degree, certificate, non-degree and transient): $50 non-refundable application fee; Executive MBA and Executive Doctorate in Business Administration: $100; graduate re-entry: $25. Deadlines vary by college and programme.

Apply through the official page: https://app.getacceptd.com/gsu

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities