Overview

The Music Composition programme at Central Michigan University provides an intensive environment for students to advance their creative expertise and technical skill. This Master of Music degree focuses on broadening critical knowledge in music theory, history, and research while fostering original compositional study.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances academic rigour with practical creative output. The faculty consists of internationally recognised experts who provide mentorship throughout the development of a substantial thesis composition. This professional guidance ensures that graduates are prepared for the highest levels of musical artistry.

The learning environment is supported by a modern 119,000-square-foot facility.

Why Music Composition at Central Michigan University?

Central Michigan University offers a fully accredited graduate experience tailored for those with significant undergraduate preparation. The institution provides state-of-the-art recording facilities and a music resource centre to support diverse creative projects. Students have frequent opportunities to see their original works performed during campus-sponsored concerts.

The university also facilitates participation in state and regional conferences, allowing students to network within the wider musical community. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available, offering tuition waivers and stipends. These roles provide valuable experience in teaching 100-level courses or assisting with large ensembles.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1029 per credit
National fee: USD 829 per credit
Local fee: USD 829 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to deepen theoretical understanding and compositional technique. Modules may include:

Music Composition
Music Theory
Music History
Music Research
Compositional Technique

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within the global music industry, including scoring, arts administration, and professional composition. Many alumni have secured positions at music publishing companies such as Montoya Music and ADJ Publishers. The programme also serves as a robust foundation for those pursuing doctoral studies at prestigious institutions.

Career paths for graduates often lead to tenure-track academic positions at various universities. Others find success as music directors or postsecondary teachers in art and drama departments. The skills gained during the programme allow for a wide range of outcomes in both creative and administrative sectors of the performing arts.

Accreditation

The composition degree is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Seminar in Compositional Techniques

Music Theory Pedagogy

Survey of Piano Literature

History of Opera

Song Repertoire

Choral Masterworks

Wind Band Literature

Rock 'n 'Roll Seminar

Seminar in World Music

Seminar in the Music of a Selected Composer

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 163 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

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

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution

Along with the application, you’ll need to submit a $50 application fee

Submit a copy of your passport

Submit proof of English proficiency or your intent to study English upon arrival – unless you are from an exempted country where English is the primary language of instruction.

You also may demonstrate English proficiency by completing the English studies program through CMU's English Language Institute.

Applicants must provide a third-party course-by-course credential evaluation and document verification

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

15435 USD / year

≈ 15435 USD / year
Out-of-State

12435 USD / year

≈ 12435 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12435 USD / year

≈ 12435 USD / year

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

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.

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.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

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 Music 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

Accreditation

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

Mount Pleasant

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners