The graduate degree program in music composition at Ohio University offers specialized training in music composition, complemented by a well-balanced, advanced education in music history and theory, as well as orchestration and electronic/computer music.
Our composers have the opportunity to hear their music read or performed by School of Music ensembles such as the orchestra, wind symphony, or concert band. Composition department recitals provide valuable opportunities for young composers to hear their chamber music performed. The Ohio University Composers Association frequently brings in world renowned performers who give master classes, workshops, and read/record student works.
Ohio University also has strong programs in film, video, theater, and dance. Student composers are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities outside the School of Music by composing music for student films, videos, theater productions, and dance concerts. The School of Music has a first-rate electronic and computer music program centered around a multi-station lab and a surround sound studio equipped with a variety of commercial and custom software and is available for student use about 80 hours a week. Students will have the opportunity to have their compositions recorded by students working in the School of Media Arts Recording Studio.
Tuition and fees are assessed based on the number of credit hours of enrollment, Ohio residency and program.
Financial aid for graduate study (regardless of discipline) is available in the form of student loans. To begin the loan application process, you need to complete and submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
To learn more about loans, scholarships and grants, visit Ohio University's Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
Music composition at Ohio University is taught in private or semiprivate lessons with their major professor. Three semesters of private study are required for the master’s degree in composition, but most students take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in composition as an elective whenever their schedules permit.
The degree culminates with a composition thesis — a large-scale musical work — and a composition recital.
You can visit the Ohio University Composition’s Soundcloud to hear compositions by current and recent composition majors.
In addition to completing the standard application for admission to the University, applicants to the master's degree program in composition are required to submit:
Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
An interview, rather than an audition, is required for this degree program. This interview should be arranged by contacting Dr. Robert McClure.
The School of Music at Ohio University offers a variety of musical ensembles designed to meet the educational and artistic needs of our majors, and also qualified students from other academic disciplines who wish to continue their involvement in music performance.
School of Music large ensemble offerings include choral groups, symphony and campus orchestras, three symphonic bands, two jazz ensembles, and the marching band. The Opera Theater presents at least one main stage production each year as well as a recital of opera scenes.
In addition to the large performing ensembles, students may choose to participate in small mixed groups including the New Music Ensemble, jazz combos, and various woodwind, brass, and string chamber ensembles. Smaller vocal ensembles are often formed from within each choral group. Like-instrumental ensembles such as Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Quartets, Brass Quintets, Trumpet Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Percussion Ensemble are also available to interested students.
Ohio University's premier concert and performance series, organized by the Division of Student Affairs, and hosted in venues across campus, while primarily staging concerts and events at the Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium.
The Performing Arts series is home to a wide variety of arts and entertainment, from Grammy-award winning Kenny G and South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the Wizard of Oz play and country singer Sara Evans. The Memorial Auditorium and Stuart’s Opera House host some of the University and community’s top shows, acts, and events. We also host a regular film series and an acoustic showcase for movie and music buffs alike.
The School of Music houses the Music Technology Lab and Surround Sound Lab, which give students access to the two primary software programs taught, Logic and Max/MSP in addition to a host of plugins from GRM Tools and other developers.
The Music Technology Lab is a 12-station space with each station equipped with a 20” iMac, midi keyboard, and software.
The Surround Sound Lab features an 8.1 JBL speaker array, Yamaha TF3 Digital Mixer, a 27” iMac, 10 channel Tascam interface, midi keyboard, Røde, Shure, and SE microphones, no-input mixers, and a Moog theremin.
We host 2-4 concerts of electronic music per year in our CLICK concert series that often features guest performers and composers allow students to hear the most recent and exciting music in the genre.
Students have the opportunity to hear their music read, performed, and recorded by School of Music ensembles as well as guest ensembles that have recently included Trio Fibonacci, Quince Ensemble, Patchwork Duo, Tower Duo, and Transient Canvas. sOUndings concerts (composition department recitals) provide valuable opportunities for young composers to hear their chamber music performed as well as learn the skills to organize their own performances.
Students interact with a diverse array of guest composers every year in live and virtual visits. Recent composers include Shih-Hui Chen, Kurt Stallmann, Jennifer Jolley, Patrick Chan, Evan Williams, Matthew Evan Taylor, Jamie Leigh Sampson, and many more.
If you'd like more information about the music composition program, reach out to Dr. Robert McClure at mcclurer@ohio.edu.