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Bachelor of Arts, Composition Option - School of Music
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Bachelor of Arts, Composition Option

The composition option focuses on creating, performance, music theory, and orchestration. The studies explore diverse styles of music. Students enjoy courses in music technology and other disciplines.

Talent Requirements for Application

The link to your supplemental music form will be emailed to you 24-48 hours after you submit your University application. To be considered for acceptance into the BA in Composition program, applicants must also:

  1. Submit a portfolio of 3 to 5 original compositions for any instrumentation, including electronic music. Be sure to proof-read scores and make them look as professional as possible. Please include recordings if you have them.
  2. Interview by invitation only. If granted an interview, applicants will be asked about their musical background, educational interests, and long-term professional goals. Applicants will also have the opportunity to ask the faculty questions.

Please note that an audition on an instrument or voice is not required for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, Music Composition option.

Start your application 

Learn more about the university application and get started now.

Submit Your Portfolio 

Instructions on how to submit your composition portfolio.

About Bachelor of Arts, Composition

The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music is a 120-hour degree that is designed for students who wish to pursue a music degree with curricular flexibility to complete coursework in secondary and complementary areas of study. The BA in Music requires students to select a specific area of study, called an “option.” The composition option consists of advanced music courses such as:

  • Orchestration
  • Analysis
  • Music informatics
  • Recording
  • Experimental and electro-acoustic music
  • Computer music

Degree requirements 

Learn more about the degree requirements for the BA, Composition by visiting the academic catalog.

Undergraduate academic handbook 

Learn more information about campus and university policies by visiting the undergraduate academic handbook.

A student works at a computer.

Hear your compositions played by talented musicians

Opportunities include the New Opera Initiative which focuses on new work by students and visiting composers, the 21st Century Piano Commission Award which pairs student composers and pianists and presents annual concerts at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the Illinois Modern Ensemble, and many more.

Through interviews with five student composers and excerpts from rehearsals and performances, this video offers a glimpse into the collaborative work between music composition students and the Illinois Modern Ensemble, the University of Illinois' premier group dedicated to the performance of contemporary and experimental music. The Illinois Modern Ensemble serves as a vibrant platform for composition students to hear their works performed by skilled musicians in a professional setting, generating valuable feedback and real-world experience in composing for a contemporary ensemble. Whether you're considering studying composition at Illinois, or are simply curious about the process behind new music, this video offers a unique look behind the scenes.

Composition faculty

See more Composition, Theory & Music Technology faculty
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