Overview

The Composition programme at Stanford University provides an intensive environment for students to develop their unique creative voices. This advanced course of study is designed for individuals who demonstrate significant prior training and high potential for professional attainment in the field of musical creation.

Candidates within the department engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances formal coursework with independent creative projects. The academic structure encourages students to explore both traditional acoustic instrumentation and modern electronic forms, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary musical landscape.

Breadth of knowledge is a core component of the educational experience, with students encouraged to pursue studies in other branches of music.

Why Composition at Stanford University?

The institution provides an exceptional array of facilities, including the renowned Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. Students have access to premier venues such as the Bing Concert Hall and the Campbell Recital Hall, which serve as vital spaces for performance and experimentation.

The department is distinguished by its multidisciplinary approach, fostering collaborations across various schools including Computer Science and Psychology. This unique environment allows composers to integrate scientific research with artistic practice, supported by a faculty of leading experts in music theory and acoustics.

Teaching features include a focus on public engagement, where candidates are required to present lecture-demonstrations based on their work. The presence of resident ensembles, such as the St. Lawrence String Quartet, provides students with professional-level opportunities to hear their original works performed.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 21180 per semester
National fee: USD 21180 per semester
Local fee: USD 13240 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to guide students through major academic milestones and significant creative outputs. Modules may include:

Composition
Music Theory
Computer-Based Music Theory and Acoustics
Musicology
Ethnomusicology
Music, Science, and Technology
Signal Processing
Human-Computer Interaction
Synthesis
Intermedia
Fieldwork and Ethnographic Methods
Critical Theory
Performance Studies

Careers with Composition

Graduates from this programme are prepared for high-level roles within the global music industry and academia. Many alumni pursue successful careers as professional composers, writing large-scale works for orchestras, chamber ensembles, and electronic media platforms.

The rigorous doctoral training also equips students for positions in higher education as professors and researchers. Additionally, the technical skills gained through the department's focus on music technology open pathways into industries such as software development, sound design, and multimedia production.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

CCRMA Colloquium

Fundamentals of Computer-Generated Sound

Psychophysics and Music Cognition

Intermedia Workshop

Music, Computing, Design I: Art of Design for Computer Music

Introduction to Audio Signal Processing Part I: Spectrum Analysis

Introduction to Audio Signal Processing Part II: Digital Filters

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-09 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

45 alternative credits

45 units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

Music 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

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.
Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of International applicants.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English.
International students enrolled must be able to read English with ease, understand rapid idiomatic English as used in lectures and group discussions.

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

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Out-of-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year

Additional Details

per quarter

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 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.

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