Overview

The Composition programme at the University of Oregon provides a vibrant artistic community designed to nurture the next generation of musical creators. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances traditional compositional techniques with modern intermedia technology and contemporary performance practices.

Why Composition at the University of Oregon?

The institution is home to a thriving community of approximately forty to forty-five composers across various degree levels. This creates a collaborative atmosphere where students benefit from a diverse yet focused curriculum that includes ethnomusicology and intensive career development seminars.

Facilities and performance opportunities are central to the student experience, with access to the Oregon Composers Forum and the Music Today Festival. Students can also participate in the Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium and the Composing for Orchestra Seminar to showcase their original works.

The School of Music and Dance offers unique ensembles such as the Pacific Rim Gamelan and five student-run new music groups. These platforms allow composers, who are often skilled instrumentalists or conductors, to perform their own music and collaborate with peers in a professional setting.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34386 per year
National fee: USD 34386 per year
Local fee: USD 20076 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to produce well-rounded scholars by integrating various musical disciplines. Modules may include:

Music Composition
Theory
History
Ethnomusicology
Intermedia Technology
Contemporary Performance Practice
Multimedia Collaboration
Career Development

Careers with Composition

Graduates from this programme are equipped with the technical and entrepreneurial skills necessary to become cultural influencers. The diverse training ensures that students are prepared for a wide range of roles within the arts and entertainment sectors.

Potential career paths for graduates include:

Musical performer
Composer or arranger
Video game composer
Film scoring
Songwriter
Pit orchestra musician
Collaborative pianist
Private studio owner
Clinician or lecturer
Cruise ship entertainer
Lyricist
Music librarian
Technical music assistant
Music preparation supervisor
Religious music director

The programme focuses on developing flexible leaders with global perspectives, enabling alumni to establish successful careers as independent entrepreneurs or within established creative organisations worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Post-Tonal Theory

Schenkerian Analysis

Counterpoint

Interactive Media Performance

Ethnomusicology

Music in the Middle Ages

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

72 SCH

72-76

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Eugene, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology Music Composition View 1017 other Masters in Music 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

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Other requirements

General requirements

Official Transcripts

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Financial Verification for International Applicants

Audio or video recordings of compositions

Evidence of live performance of your works

List of compositions

List of performances of compositions

Résumé

Statement of Purpose

Scholarly writing sample

Scores of original works for large and small ensembles that demonstrate marked ability and technical skill in composition.

Three letters of recommendation

An interview with a member of the composition faculty can be arranged at the request of the applicant (optional)

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

34386 USD / year

≈ 34386 USD / year
Out-of-State

34386 USD / year

≈ 34386 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

20076 USD / year

≈ 20076 USD / year

Living costs

Eugene

United States

970 - 1380 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

Eugene

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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