Overview

The Music Theory and Composition programme at the University of Kansas provides a rigorous academic environment for aspiring scholars and creative artists. This curriculum balances traditional musical foundations with contemporary innovation to prepare students for diverse professional careers in the global arts sector.

Why Music Theory and Composition at the University of Kansas?

Students at this institution benefit from working alongside six distinguished composers and scholars who have earned international acclaim. The faculty brings a vast breadth of expertise to the classroom, covering specialised areas such as film music, philosophy, critical theory, and modern rock music.

The University of Kansas fosters a vibrant interdisciplinary culture that encourages theorists and composers to collaborate across various fields. Students often engage with peers and experts in the humanities, sciences, visual arts, and other performing arts to expand their creative and intellectual boundaries.

Composition students receive personalised mentorship to refine their craft across multiple genres, including orchestral works, opera, and electronic music. The School of Music provides high-level facilities and performance opportunities that allow student works to be realised in professional settings.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20712 per year
National fee: USD 20712 per year
Local fee: USD 8806 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a deep understanding of both common-practice and contemporary repertoires. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Music Composition
Film Music
Philosophy and Critical Theory
Rhythm and Meter
Modern Rock Music
Wind Band and Orchestra Composition
Opera and Choral Music
Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music
Electronic Music

Careers with Music Theory and Composition

Graduates from this programme are equipped for a variety of high-level roles within the music industry and academia. Many alumni pursue successful careers as professional composers for film, television, and live performance ensembles.

The advanced analytical skills gained through the music theory track prepare students for positions in research, music publishing, and higher education. Others find opportunities in arts administration, sound design, and cultural consultancy for international organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Composition

Church Music

Conducting

Musicology

Music Theory

Performance

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-06-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Lawrence, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 163 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.2

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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

Resume
Statement of Purpose
Scanned copies of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary schools attended

Email addresses of three (3) references for letters of recommendation

Repertoire list - Performance applicants
Scholarly writing sample: Organ, Church Music, Musicology and Music Theory applicants
PDF files or links to three (3) original scores (and recordings if available) - Composition applicants

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

20712 USD / year

≈ 20712 USD / year
Out-of-State

20712 USD / year

≈ 20712 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8806 USD / year

≈ 8806 USD / year

Living costs

Lawrence

United States

900 - 1400 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 Music Theory and 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

Lawrence

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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