Overview

The Music Composition programme at the University of Louisville provides an intensive environment for composers to refine their technical facility and artistic voice. This Master of Music degree is structured to support students who have already completed an undergraduate qualification in music and wish to pursue higher-level creative research.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances individual creative work with rigorous academic standards in theory and history. The School of Music ensures that all candidates develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary practices while maintaining a strong connection to traditional musical foundations.

Why Music Composition at the University of Louisville?

The University of Louisville offers a distinctive environment through its School of Music, which provides specialised facilities for both acoustic and digital creation. Students have access to expert faculty guidance and dedicated resources such as the Computer Music Studies centre and the Heuser Hearing Institute.

A key feature of the programme is the emphasis on public performance, requiring students to present at least twenty minutes of original music during their residency. This practical focus ensures that graduates are prepared for the professional demands of the global music industry and contemporary performance spaces.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 31108 per year
National fee: USD 31108 per year
Local fee: USD 15304 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to deepen analytical skills and compositional technique through core requirements and specialised concentration tracks. Modules may include:

Bibliography and Research Methods
Music History Seminar
Advanced Chromatic Harmony and Analysis
Advanced Post-Tonal Theory and Analysis
Schenkerian Analysis
Advanced Analysis
Electronic and Computer Music
Advanced Topics in Computer Music
Advanced Private Instruction in Composition and Orchestration
Graduate Composition Seminar
Composition for Digital Media
Applied Acoustic Composition
Studies in Improvisation

In addition to these modules, students must participate in ensembles and complete a final thesis project. This project typically involves a public recital or a professional paper that demonstrates the student's mastery of their chosen compositional field.

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a variety of professional paths within the arts and creative industries. Many alumni pursue roles as independent composers, orchestrators, or arrangers for live performance, film, and digital media.

The advanced nature of the Master of Music also provides a foundation for those seeking careers in higher education or further doctoral research. The skills gained in digital media and computer music specifically open opportunities in sound design and technology-driven musical production.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music History Review

Theory Review

Bibliography and Research Methods

Music Theory

Advanced Chromatic Harmony and Analysis

Advanced Post-Tonal Theory and Analysis

Schenkerian Analysis

Advanced Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

38 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Louisville, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 163 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

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105

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelors in Music degree (or the equivalent based upon review)

Minimum GPA of 2.75 from previous undergraduate and graduate work

Submit portfolio of work

Completed application for admission, including the $65 application fee

Official transcripts from ALL colleges/universities attended

Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

A Letter of Interest for Graduate Teaching Assistantships or Departmental Service Awards.

Application for Admission

Application Fee

Transcripts

English Proficiency

Financial Statement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

31108 USD / year

≈ 31108 USD / year
Out-of-State

31108 USD / year

≈ 31108 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15304 USD / year

≈ 15304 USD / year

Living costs

Louisville

United States

897 - 1421 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Composition.

Available Scholarships

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Louisville

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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