Master of Music with a specialization in Composition (Music)

Composition students work closely with faculty members who specialize in modern composition for acoustic media, electroacoustic or electronic media, computer music programming, hardware and software experimentation, and improvisation. Progressive, non-standard approaches to the sonic arts are encouraged. Composition students are encouraged to engage in a diverse and inclusive approach to contemporary musical creation and performance.

Program Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 24 units in graduate-level course work. Completion of a thesis-equivalent is also required.

Coursework

MUSIC 545 (3 units) - Seminar in Computer Applications to Music OR
MUSIC 645 (3 units) - Seminar in Computer Music Composition
MUSIC 580 (3 units) - Advanced Contemporary Repertoire, OR
MUSIC 581 (3 units) - Advanced Studies in Avant Garde
One (3-unit) graduate-level theory course selected from the following:
- MUSIC 555 (3 units) - Issues in Theory and Analysis
- MUSIC 556 (3 units) - Seminar in Music Theory
- MUSIC 651 (3 units) - Seminar in Music Analysis
MUSIC 660 (6 units) - Advanced Composition I
MUSIC 661 (3 units) - Advanced Composition II
Two 3-unit graduate-level options approved by the supervisor.
- At the discretion of the supervisor, students who have not taken a bibliography and research methods course (or equivalent) will be required to take MUSIC 505 . The fulfillment of this requirement will count as one of the approved options.
At the discretion of the supervisor, further coursework may be required.
Students who have not taken at least 3 units in electronic music in their undergraduate training must complete MUSIC 445 (3 units) - Electroacoustic Music IN ADDITION to their program requirements.

Thesis

Registration in 900-level THES. The thesis consists of a portfolio of works (normally 3 or 4 compositions) composed and performed during the student’s course of study. The portfolio will include scores, archival recordings of the performances, program notes, and any other relevant materials.
For program completion and convocation, there is no requirement to submit the thesis-equivalent to FGSR.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residence for the MMus degree is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta

Length of Program

The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a minimum of two years is normally required.

The maximum time to complete the MMus program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is four years.