The Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) degree in composition at Ohio University is a comprehensive program. In addition to offering specialized training in music composition, the degree provides students with the strong, well-rounded education in music required to achieve success as a composer.
The electronic music curriculum gives students the skills to be a 21st century composer and realize their ideas for sound in fixed and live interactive compositions using electronics. Students can hear their music read, performed, and recorded by guest ensembles or at composition department recitals, and they can interact with a diverse array of guest composers every year in live and virtual visits.
Students collaborate across different artistic disciplines with other students in film, dance, and creative writing. They also have the opportunity to have their compositions recorded in the School of Media Arts Recording Studio.
All students who seek admission to Ohio University with a major in Music must audition. The audition is for both admission and talent-based scholarship decisions. Composition majors are also encouraged to submit a portfolio of original compositions or arrangements (pdf, mp3) directly to Dr. Robert McClure at mcclurer@ohio.edu.
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Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.
View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
The Music – Composition B.Mus. curriculum is designed to prepare exceptionally talented students for careers as theorists or composers, or for continued study or graduate work in theory or composition. The curriculum focuses on basic musicianship skills; analytical, aural, and writing skills; compositional facility and technique; and the acquisition of a historical perspective on, and basic knowledge of, technological innovations in the field.
For their capstone experience, students do a senior recital or a senior thesis.
Interact with a diverse array of guest composers every year in live and virtual visits through the College of Fine Arts' Visiting Artists & Scholars program. Recent composers include Shih-Hui Chen, Kurt Stallmann, Jennifer Jolley, Patrick Chan, Evan Williams, Matthew Evan Taylor, Jamie Leigh Sampson, and many more.
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.
Our sOUndings concerts (composition program recitals) provide valuable opportunities for young composers to hear their chamber music performed as well as learn the skills to organize their own performances.
We host several 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 collaborate across different artistic disciplines with other students in film, dance, and creative writing. In addition, students have the opportunity to have their compositions recorded by students working in the School of Media Arts Recording Studio.
If you have questions about the Music – Composition bachelor's degree, contact Dr. Robert McClure at mcclurer@ohio.edu.
Please request application information regarding admission as a student using the form below.