Overview

The Music - Composition programme at Montclair State University offers a comprehensive curriculum for students aiming to master the art of contemporary and traditional musical creation. This Master of Arts degree provides a rigorous academic environment where students refine their technical skills while exploring innovative approaches to sound.

The curriculum is designed to help students develop a distinct compositional voice through intensive study and practical application. Participants engage in deep explorations of musical structures, ensuring they possess the theoretical knowledge required for professional success. The programme balances historical foundations with modern technological advancements in the field.

Why Music - Composition at Montclair State University?

The John J. Cali School of Music provides an exceptional environment for artistic growth, situated just minutes away from the thriving professional networks of New York City. This proximity offers students unparalleled access to world-class performances, research opportunities, and industry connections that are vital for a career in the arts.

Facilities at the university support a wide range of creative activities, from traditional acoustic scoring to cutting-edge electronic music production. Students have the unique opportunity to see their original compositions come to life through dedicated workshops, recitals, and masterclasses. These events feature performances by talented peers, faculty mentors, and visiting guest artists.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1018 per credit
National fee: USD 909 per credit
Local fee: USD 909 per credit

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Orchestration
Arranging
Counterpoint
Analysis
Style
History
Electronic Music

Careers with Music - Composition

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue diverse professional pathways within the global music industry. The advanced training provided ensures that alumni are prepared for high-level roles that require both creative vision and technical precision in various musical contexts.

Many former students find success as professional composers for film, media, or the concert stage, while others excel as arrangers and orchestrators. The rigorous academic nature of the Master of Arts also serves as an ideal foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral-level studies or careers in higher education.

The skills acquired during the course allow graduates to work across multiple sectors, including publishing, arts administration, and digital media production. By building a professional portfolio during their studies, students exit the programme with the practical evidence of their talent required to secure competitive positions in the arts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Music
Musical Style and Analysis
Music Systems of Analysis and Composition
Special Topics in Music
Problems in Music History and Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-16 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Application Deadline: Rolling admission.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Montclair, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Transcript: One from each college attended.
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation: Two.
Students holding degrees from non-US institutions must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or by Educated Choices. TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or Duolingo English Test are required for applicants to any program who earned their degree in a country where English is not the official language. Please check our International Applicants page for more information and for our current TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Policy.

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

16288 USD / year

≈ 16288 USD / year
Out-of-State

14544 USD / year

≈ 14544 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14544 USD / year

≈ 14544 USD / year

Living costs

Montclair

United States

1673 - 4118 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

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

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

Montclair

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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