Overview

The Master of Music in Composition at the University of Cincinnati offers a comprehensive course of study for students aiming to master the creation of original music in both acoustic and electro-acoustic mediums. This postgraduate programme is designed to refine technical skills while fostering a deep understanding of contemporary aesthetic issues and musical literature. Students are encouraged to develop a unique creative voice through a rigorous curriculum and practical performance opportunities.

Why Composition at the University of Cincinnati?

Students at the University of Cincinnati benefit from the prestigious Alexander Zemlinsky Prize for Composition, which brings international jury members and award recipients to the conservatory. This engagement facilitates the commissioning and performance of new chamber and orchestral works. Additionally, the Center for Computer Music provides state-of-the-art laboratories for research and performance, featuring equipment for interactive programming, virtual reality, and multi-channel composition.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 26644 per year
National fee: USD 26644 per year
Local fee: USD 14902 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the development of a professional portfolio, culminating in a solo recital. Modules may include:

Orchestration
Counterpoint
Electronic Music
Composition Symposium
Composer/Performer Workshop
Shaping Time
Writing for Voice
Professional Aspects of a Composition Career

Careers with Composition

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths within the global music industry. The programme focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills to succeed as independent composers, orchestrators, and sound designers. Many alumni pursue roles in higher education, media scoring, or continue their creative research at the doctoral level. The curriculum's emphasis on professional aspects ensures that students understand the commercial and administrative requirements of a modern composition career.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Electronic Music Techniques

Electronic Music

Composition Symposium

Music History

Research Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

43 SCH

43-47

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cincinnati, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 164 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

graduate admissions application (online)

hold a baccalaureate degree (or higher) from a college or university regarded as standard by a regional or general accrediting agency, and have at least a B average in undergraduate course work

there is a $5 surcharge for international applications.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

26644 USD / year

≈ 26644 USD / year
Out-of-State

26644 USD / year

≈ 26644 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14902 USD / year

≈ 14902 USD / year

Living costs

Cincinnati

United States

1000 - 1650 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cincinnati

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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