Overview

The Music Composition programme at Western Michigan University is designed to equip postgraduate students with the essential technical and creative skills required to excel as professional composers. By fostering an environment that celebrates aesthetic diversity, the curriculum supports individual growth and artistic vision.

Students engage in rigorous training that spans both traditional acoustic instrumentation and modern digital media. This dual focus ensures that graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of the contemporary music industry, whether they are writing for live ensembles or exploring electronic soundscapes.

The learning experience is deeply rooted in community and collaboration.

Why Music Composition at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University offers a distinctive creative environment through its dedicated Electronic Music Lab and the annual New Sounds Festival. These facilities and events provide students with high-level platforms to showcase their compositions and experiment with new technologies.

The institution is committed to providing significant support through various scholarships and student organisations. By focusing on student accomplishments and providing direct access to expert faculty, the university ensures that every composer receives the mentorship needed to realise their specific creative goals.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15620 per year
National fee: USD 15620 per year
Local fee: USD 10414 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on advanced creative techniques and professional practice. Modules may include:

Research in Music
Form in Music
Musicology
Composers
Graduate Recital
Advanced Choral Conducting
Advanced Instrumental Conducting
Orchestration

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the global music industry. The training provided enables students to pursue careers as independent composers, media scorers, and sound designers. Many alumni find success in professional orchestration, digital content creation, and music production.

The focus on both acoustic and electronic mediums allows for flexibility in various sectors, including film, television, and live performance. By developing a strong creative voice and technical proficiency, graduates are well-positioned to contribute to the contemporary arts and cultural sectors as creative musicians.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research in Music
Form in Music
Musicology
Composers
Applied Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 163 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

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

Copy of passport identification page.
$100 non-refundable application fee.
Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study according to estimated cost of attendance.
Completed application form (including a resume/curriculum vitae, written statement, and contact information for letters of recommendation).

Official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from the institution where any additional graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU.
Proficiency examinations in theory, history-literature and placement interview-auditions in piano, composition, electronic composition, musical acoustics and counterpoint.
You will be required to complete an audition and/or submit a portfolio of documents as appropriate to your intended degree and area of concentration.

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

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Out-of-State

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10414 USD / year

≈ 10414 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer: 2,386 International Summer: 3,579

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 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 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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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

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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