Composition

Overview

Normally, University of Alberta M.Mus. degree with a specialization in Composition students receive regularly scheduled professional, public performances of their works, and have access to technological resources for a variety of modes of electroacoustic composition and performance; included here are resources for live electronics performance, field recording, multichannel diffusion, hardware prototyping for circuit bending, and human interface design (HCI).In addition to the above, graduate students in composition are encouraged to explore alternative performance opportunities, with possibilities here including: the University Symphony Orchestra, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Contempo New Music Ensemble, as well as non-Western ensembles and the XiME Experimental Improvisation Ensemble. 

The Department also includes opportunities for composers to interface with graduate and faculty scholars in the areas of musicology, theory, and ethnomusicology. Students are also encouraged to seek collaborative opportunities with students in Art & Design, Drama, Humanities Computing, Industrial Design and the many other Departments on the University's large and diverse campus.Progressive, non-standard approaches to the sonic arts are encouraged. 

Graduate students in composition are encouraged to engage in a diverse and inclusive approach to contemporary musical creation and performance. It is expected that the student develop both a compositional 'voice' and mature artistic practice, and gain proficiency with various advanced techniques relating directly to both acoustic and electronic media.