Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024 [Archived Catalog]

Music Composition Major (B.Mus.)


Major code BM5105

College of Fine Arts
Music, School of
Glidden Hall 440
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4244
music@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/music

Christopher Fisher, contact person
fisherc@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The curriculum is designed to prepare exceptionally talented students for careers as theorists or composers, or for continued study or graduate work in theory or composition. The curriculum focuses on basic musicianship skills; analytical, aural, and writing skills; compositional facility and technique; and the acquisition of a historical perspective on, and basic knowledge of, technological innovations in the field.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

All entering freshmen must meet University admission requirements. In addition, any student intending to major in any program offered by the School of Music must successfully audition on their instrument or voice. Also, entering freshmen will be required to take a Music Theory Placement Examination. Composition majors are also required to submit sample compositions to the composition faculty.

Change of Program Policy

Any Ohio University student intending to change his or her major to any program in the School of Music must successfully audition on their instrument or voice. Students without previous college-level coursework in music theory will be required to take a Music Theory Placement Examination. Composition majors are also required to submit sample compositions to the composition faculty.

External Transfer Admission

Students transferring from any other college or university intending to major in any program in the School of Music must successfully audition on their instrument or voice. Students without previous college-level coursework in music theory will be required to take a Music Theory Placement Examination. Composition majors are also required to submit sample compositions to the composition faculty.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students completing a B. Mus. with a major in composition work successfully as freelance musicians and are also prepared to continue graduate work at institutions across the United States and overseas.

Requirements

Universitywide Graduation Requirements


Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other universitywide requirements, please review the  Graduation Requirements – Universitywide  page.

Aural Skills, Music Theory, and Music History and Literature


Complete the following courses during freshman and sophomore years:

Aural Skills


Complete the following courses:

Music Theory


Complete the following courses:

Music History and Literature


Complete the following courses:

Keyboard Proficiency and Secondary Instrument


Note: Successful completion of the Keyboard Skills Proficiency (KSP) exam is outlined in the School of Music Handbook and is required of students in Music Composition. If a student fails to pass the KSP exam after two years of study, the student must complete up to two additional semesters of class piano ( MUS 3590 and MUS 3600 ) until the KSP is completed.

Secondary Instrument - If Principal Instrument is NOT Piano


Complete one of the options below.

Complete the following courses (available to all)


Complete four semesters of the following (requires keyboard division approval)


Secondary Instrument - If Principal Instrument IS Piano


Complete the following courses:

Ensemble


Complete 8 semesters of large ensemble for 1 credit hour each semester. Music majors must perform in a large ensemble every semester in residence. See School of Music Undergraduate Handbook for ensembles appropriate to the principal instrument and major.

Performance Lab


Complete 6 semesters of the following course:

Principal Instrument or Voice


Complete 2 hours per semester for 6 semesters on appropriate applied instrument or voice for major. See School of Music Undergradaute Handbook for guidelines regarding attaining senior status.

Instrumentation and Orchestration


Complete the following courses:

Electives in Music Theory, History, and Literature


Complete three of the following courses:

Composition and Electronic Music


Complete two of the following courses:

Complete 4 semesters of the following course:


Upper Level Music Theory


Complete three of the following courses:

Conducting


Complete the following course:

Senior Thesis


Complete the following courses:

Recital


Complete the following course for 2 hours credit: