For the Music Composition Major
Creating an impressive composition portfolio, honing your composing skills, and selecting the great-fit college composition program are all important steps on your path to becoming an amazing composer. There’s a lot to think about when you’re applying for a composition major, but don’t worry! This blog is here to guide you through the process, helping you feel prepared and confident when it’s time to submit your college applications.
The most important step is to pay attention to the portfolio and audition requirements for each school you’re applying to. Here are examples of the differences in composition requirements at three different schools:
Three to five of the applicant’s most representative works demonstrating proficiency in a variety of genres or styles. Recent works are preferred. Contrasting works are recommended.
Materials should include scores in PDF format, or if your work is not notation-based, include a description of how your work was realized.
We recommend that you also include audio and/or video documentation of your pieces. Computer-generated recordings are acceptable.
ASU also requires an interview with the composition faculty.
DePaul University School of Music:
Must complete an audition on your primary instrument and pass a pre-screening round.
Composition portfolio must include three representative works.
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music:
Composition portfolio must include three contrasting pieces of varying instrumentation; digital media works may be included.
Include a brief introduction video that answers the prompt: How do you envision using your USC Thornton education to become a force for positive change in the evolution of the music profession and music as an art form?
A Young Artist Project video that answers the prompt: If you were pitching your Young Artist Project idea today, what is the most daring project you would propose and why?”
A resume that lists academic, musical, and professional experiences.
A list of works created (pieces written by you).
As you can see, even with a small subset of composition requirements from these three schools, what’s required could be vastly different! A big thing to keep an eye out for are schools that require an audition on your primary instrument in addition to your composition portfolio.
Building Your Composition Portfolio
So, now that you know what some schools are looking for in your composition portfolio–it should showcase your creativity, technical skills, and musical voice–here are steps to create a strong portfolio.
Write Often and Diversely
Experiment with different styles: Colleges love to see versatility. Write in various genres like classical, jazz, film scoring, electronic music, and more. Show that you’re capable of composing in different forms and for different ensembles (e.g., solo pieces, chamber music, or orchestral works). Definitely experiment with different instrumentation mixes!
Create both short and long works: Have a mix of pieces that highlight different skills—shorter pieces to demonstrate your creativity and longer ones to show your ability to develop themes.
Use Notation Software and Recordings
Get familiar with notation technology: Programs like Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico are industry standards. Learning how to notate your music clearly and professionally will make your portfolio stand out.
Record your pieces: If you can, record live musicians playing your work. If not, high-quality MIDI recordings using software like Logic Pro or Ableton Live are a good option. Live recordings demonstrate that you’re taking the initiative to work with musicians, get their feedback, and work through your piece.
Organize and Curate Your Portfolio
Choose your best works: Quality over quantity is key. Select pieces that best represent your voice and skills as a composer.
Include a variety of pieces: Demonstrate your versatility by including different types of music—classical, electronic, jazz, or film music—to show that you’re open to exploring new genres. (Always refer back to the portfolio requirements of the school you’re applying to, though!)
How to Get Better at Composing in High School
Becoming a strong composer doesn’t happen overnight. You need to consistently work on your craft. Here are some ways to improve.
Take Lessons or Classes
Composition lessons: If possible, find a composition teacher who can give you personalized feedback and guide you through developing your own style.
Music theory and ear training: A solid understanding of theory and ear training is essential for composers. These classes will help you understand the building blocks of music. If you can, sign up for AP Music Theory at your school, or look at some online resources.
Collaborate with Musicians
Write for your peers: If you play in your school’s band, orchestra, or choir, write pieces for your fellow musicians. This gives you valuable experience in composing for different instruments and ensembles.
Join music programs: Participate in local music festivals, summer camps, or online composition courses to meet other musicians and gain more experience.
Listen and Analyze
Listen to diverse music: Exposure to different genres broadens your perspective and influences your own work. Listen to classical composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Stravinsky, but also explore jazz, film scores, electronic music, and contemporary composers.
Analyze scores: Study scores while listening to recordings to understand how composers structure their music. This will help you understand orchestration, harmony, and thematic development.
Finding the Right College Program in Music Composition
Not all music composition programs are the same, so it’s important to be proactive in finding the right fit for you.
Research Different Types of Composition Programs
Classical composition: Many programs focus on traditional composition techniques, orchestration, and classical music history. If you’re interested in film scoring or writing for orchestras, this could be a great fit.
Commercial and contemporary music composition: Programs focusing on contemporary music might include courses in music production, songwriting, film scoring, and music technology.
Electronic music composition: Some schools offer programs specializing in electronic and experimental music. If you’re interested in sound design, electronic music, or multimedia work, look for programs that offer these specializations.
Understand the Difference Between Composition and Songwriting
Composition: This usually refers to writing music for instruments and ensembles, often in a classical or contemporary classical style. It involves structuring pieces, working with harmony, melody, and form, and often includes writing for orchestras, chamber ensembles, or electronic media.
Songwriting: Focuses on writing songs, typically with lyrics, and may include elements like pop song structures, harmony, and arrangement. Songwriting programs may also cover topics such as music production and recording techniques.
Visit Colleges and Talk to Faculty
Attend open houses or music camps: Many schools offer events where you can meet faculty and students. Ask questions about the program, what styles of music are encouraged, and what career opportunities are available.
Take lessons with potential teachers: Many composition professors offer trial lessons. This can give you a sense of their teaching style and whether they’d be a good fit for you. If you do set up a sample lesson with a composition faculty member, COME PREPARED with a piece that you’ve written! Either print it out or bring your laptop so you can look at the piece together.
Look for Schools with Resources and Opportunities
Music technology labs and recording studios: If you’re interested in electronic music or film scoring, look for schools that provide state-of-the-art technology and resources.
Performance opportunities: Programs that allow you to have your music performed by student ensembles or orchestras will give you real-world experience and help you grow as a composer.
The trick to putting together a great composition portfolio is to be proactive. Get into a routine with your composing—try to complete a new piece every few weeks and try to get recordings of your pieces too! Be open to real feedback from the musicians performing your music. Finally, let your creativity shine through—there’s no other composer like you!
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