Overview

The M.Mus. Music - Composition at Georgia State University offers an immersive curriculum designed for aspiring composers to refine their artistic voice. This advanced programme provides a comprehensive experience that balances traditional techniques with contemporary approaches to musical creation. Students benefit from a rigorous academic environment situated in a vibrant urban centre, fostering both creative and professional growth.

Why Music - Composition at Georgia State University?

Students gain access to an internationally acclaimed faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge recording studios and modern composition software. The programme's downtown location provides unique connections to prestigious local ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera. Additionally, the School of Music hosts three resident ensembles—Bent Frequency, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta, and Ensemble ATL—offering students direct engagement with professional performers. The student-run record label, MTM Standard, further serves as an incubator for those interested in the business aspects of music, including licensing and marketing.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16651 per semester
National fee: USD 16180 per semester
Local fee: USD 4895 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Orchestration
Electronic Music
Contemporary Music Theory
Advanced Composition Techniques
Computer Music
Electroacoustic Music
Research Methods

Careers with Music - Composition

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths within the global music industry. Many alumni pursue successful careers composing for film, television, video games, and various multimedia platforms. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those intending to continue their academic journey at the doctoral level. Graduates have seen their works performed at international festivals, such as the soundSCAPE Festival in Italy, and at national conferences for the Society of Composers, Inc. and the College Music Society. The emphasis on practical experience and networking ensures that students are equipped for roles in academia, professional performance, and artistic direction.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Composition
Composition Seminar
Analysis of Post-Tonal Music
Seminar in Music after 1900
Composition Recital

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Atlanta, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 164 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Transcript(s)
Official TOEFL/IELT Scores (international applicants only)
Personal/Goal Statement
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Writing Sample
Portfolio
Letters of recommendation

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

33302 USD / year

≈ 33302 USD / year
Out-of-State

32360 USD / year

≈ 32360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9790 USD / year

≈ 9790 USD / year

Living costs

Atlanta

United States

1213 - 2208 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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