The composition emphasis gives students the foundation to continue in graduate school or engage in one of many careers in music. Examples include composing, teaching, performing, and careers in the recording industry. Students acquire skills in instrumentation, arranging, and other aspects of composition, along with experiencing performances of their own compositions. Students learn to write both short and long forms in various representative musical and instrumental idioms, are encouraged to explore trends in modern music composition, and experiment with compositional styles in order to discover a personal compositional “voice.”
Music, the art of organizing sound in time, is a universal language given to us by God that expresses thoughts and emotions where words cannot. The faculty of the School of Music at The Master’s University believes in the vital role and purpose of this gift and is privileged to train students to use their musical abilities to the glory of God by developing wisdom, establishing convictions and producing leaders.
All of our faculty and staff affirm our full doctrinal statement, which has remained essentially unchanged since our founding. We believe and teach:
Students in this emphasis will showcase their composition, arranging, orchestration, and counterpoint expertise. This encompasses the ability to craft classical forms and master contrasting styles. The curriculum includes a range of courses that comprehensively explore these areas, including Individual Instruction in Composition, Tonal Counterpoint, Popular Music Since 1900, 20th Century Analysis, Arranging, and Orchestration.
This emphasis gives students the foundation to continue in graduate school or engage in one of many careers in music. Examples include composing, teaching, performing, and careers in the recording industry. Students acquire skills in instrumentation, arranging, and other aspects of composition, along with experiencing performances of their compositions. Students learn to write both short and long forms in various representative musical and instrumental idioms, are encouraged to explore trends in modern music composition, and experiment with compositional styles to discover a personal compositional “voice.”
This is a professional degree designed for those with a strong music background who anticipate a vocation in music. It prepares candidates for comprehensive musicianship and performance skills for graduate school and various music careers. Students must demonstrate satisfactory ability and preparation to be considered for the degree. They must show adequate progress by the end of the sophomore year to continue in the B.M. program. Applied music courses (private lessons, ensembles, etc.) are available for active participation and the development of individual musical skills. Additional courses are also open for growth in the knowledge and expression of the musical arts.
The school provides an acoustically mastered recital hall that is flexible for rehearsals, concerts, and recording sessions, in addition to 15 Wenger sound-proof practice rooms, including some V-rooms with built-in emulation of larger environments. Students have access to 33 pianos, two organs, and two harpsichords. The Master’s University music facilities include the most recent music notation and sequencing software programs. The state-of-the-art recording facility is integrated into the recital hall. A 32-fader ICON D-Control work surface anchors this all-digital room and features an industry-standard Avid Pro Tools HDX2 system with various plugins and outboard processing. The studio is used for classes and school ensemble projects, allowing audio technology students to put their knowledge to the test in a real-world studio recording context.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in composition, arranging, orchestration, and counterpoint, including the ability to write in classical forms and contrasting styles.
Total units required for emphasis: 80-81
*Fulfills two units of Individual Instruction in primary instrument.
Like many private and public institutions, The Master’s University offers accredited academics, a vibrant student life, competitive athletics, a beautiful campus and amenities, and top-ranked faculty. However, other aspects of the higher education experience can only be found at TMU.
