Overview

The M.Mus. Music- Composition at University of Southern Maine provides an intensive environment for developing composers to refine their artistic voice through rigorous academic study and creative practice. This postgraduate programme is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals seeking to advance their expertise in musical creation. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances technical mastery with individual expression within a supportive artistic community.

Why Music- Composition at University of Southern Maine?

Students at the Osher School of Music learn from a faculty of internationally distinguished performers, scholars, and mentors who bring a wealth of experience across diverse musical genres. The programme is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, ensuring high standards of excellence in musical education. A significant advantage of studying here is the university's strong community partnerships with prestigious organisations such as the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Maine, and the Portland Jazz Orchestra.

The university provides a vibrant performance environment where students can engage with the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra, the Faculty Concert Series, and various jazz and vocal ensembles. Graduate students also receive dedicated support through the Office of Graduate Studies, which offers professional development resources, peer mentorship, and access to over 150 graduate assistantships that provide stipends and tuition assistance.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1608 per credit
National fee: USD 1608 per credit
Local fee: USD 532 per credit

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Chamber Music
Bibliography and Research
Music Theory
History
Applied Music Ideas
Composition

Careers with Music- Composition

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles in composition and music leadership across the United States and internationally. The programme fosters a strong alumni network of successful composers, performers, and conductors. Students gain the necessary skills to pursue careers as professional composers, music educators, or directors within various arts organisations and cultural institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Recital

Applied Music

Music Theory

Music History

Bibliography and Research in Music

Chamber Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-05-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 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

Gorham, United States

Disciplines

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

Duolingo English Test

105

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

Provide financial documentation that shows you are able to support educational and living costs.
Pay the US $50 application fee (except Canadian applicants).
Submit an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies:
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States
NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt

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

24120 USD / year

≈ 24120 USD / year
Out-of-State

24120 USD / year

≈ 24120 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7980 USD / year

≈ 7980 USD / year

Living costs

Gorham

United States

1370 - 2127 USD / month

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.

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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

Living costs

Gorham

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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