Overview

The curriculum of Composition (Classical) programme of Purchase College SUNY includes four years of individual lessons in composition; class studies in theory, solfège, keyboard studies, counterpoint, orchestration, analysis, and timbre synthesis; and seminars with other composers. There are ample opportunities for students to have works performed and recorded in the program’s concerts and recitals. In addition, juniors, seniors, and graduate students annually present recitals of their works.

Key facts

For students interested in electronic music, the well-equipped studios in the conservatory provide an excellent opportunity to explore in depth this vital aspect of music, using the latest computer technology. Students interested in composing for film, dance, or theatre are encouraged to form interactive relationships with students majoring in those disciplines.

Each composition student is expected and encouraged to make significant progress in composing for all conventional genres and to master composition skills for all the orchestral instruments, piano, and vocal music, as well as unconventional combinations and mixed media. In addition, students are encouraged to develop an original compositional voice and to think seriously along new theoretical lines.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Private Study: Composition

Purchase New Music

Research and Writing for the Modern Musician

Music theory/analysis elective

Master’s Recital: Classical

Music history elective

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

42 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 1043 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

Purchase does not require scores from the SAT or ACT exam (with exceptions), though applicants are given the option to submit them. It is recommended that test scores be submitted only if it is believed to benefit the application. For applicants who are considering submitting scores, we typically prefer the following:

SAT: 1170 total score; minimum Reading score of 24

ACT: 24 Composite

Students who are required to submit test scores include:

Applicants who are homeschooled
International students, who will need to provide a TOEFL score
Applicants who attended secondary schools that provide only narrative evaluations rather than some form of grading scale

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Purchase College SUNY and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

23100 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 23100 USD per year during 24 months.
National

23100 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 23100 USD per year during 24 months.
In-State

11310 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 11310 USD per year during 24 months.

Living costs for New York City

1819 - 3968 USD /month

Living costs

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

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.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

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

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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