The composition major is designed to welcome students who bring a range of musical backgrounds and experience to their creative work as makers of new music. We recognize that the majority of composers today come from backgrounds in a wide variety of popular genres, K-pop to hip-hop, EDM to Eminem, video games to space operas, rock to reggae, metal to Mariachi.<br><br><br>We embrace all of these, and recognize the important cultural conversations taking place within them. We see ourselves as contributors to that dialogue. <br><br>Composition students compose works for various ensembles, including orchestra, film scores, EDM, song writing etc. We give our students the tools to hit the ground running and seize many opportunities, from creating original work, to working in recording studios, creating their own software, publishing and even creating album artwork.<br><br>Students learn to trust their intuition, draw from the unknown, and apply structural and technical tools to realize highly personal, literate musical works.<br>Upon successful completion of the degree program, students will be able to:<br><br><br>Develop a unique artistic trajectory and an original creative ''voice.''<br>Develop composition skills at a high level, utilizing informed stylistic choices and artistic expression.<br>Develop competency in textual, harmonic, and formal score analysis.<br>Compose original works for a variety of ensembles, ranging from classical, jazz, vernacular, electronic, and hybrid, according to the proclivities of the student.<br>Learn basic intellectual property law with regard to copyright for original compositions, recordings and performances.<br>Demonstrate knowledge of publication standards and practices for streaming media.<br>Develop skills for concert preparation and production.<br>Develop communication skills for public outreach, including press releases, concert and publication publicity.<br>Demonstrate deep knowledge of repertoire studied during program.<br>Demonstrate effective analytical and interpretative skills in music theory, musicology and/or performance practice.<br>Communicate an advanced understanding and evaluation of musical knowledge and ideas in written and/or oral forms.