Composition

Your Future in Composition

Are you musically talented? Do you create original music? Do you possess strong interpersonal and networking skills? If so, you should pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition at the University of North Texas.

Our graduates are employed as arrangers, orchestrators, music copyists, audio engineers, conductors and teachers. They work for:

• Advertising agencies
• Film studios
• Recording companies
• Symphony orchestras
• Universities

A bachelor's degree in Composition gives you the foundation you need to build a vibrant career as a composer whether you continue on to graduate study or apply your skills in the professional world.

What we offer

UNT's College of Music is internationally recognized for artistic and academic excellence. The Composition program has more than 70 students and six full-time faculty members representing a variety of compositional approaches.

Our program helps you develop your musical imagination and hone your skills in writing for instruments and voices, making professional-quality scores, collaborating with performers, and using advanced computer music and intermedia technologies.

Students can present original works at SPECTRUM student composition recitals, composition workshops and open reading sessions by the UNT orchestras and wind ensembles. Other opportunities are available with:

• The Nova ensemble — performs contemporary music and often features visiting specialists in new music performance
• Music Now forums — feature weekly presentations by our faculty members, students and visiting composers and performers
• The Initiative for Advanced Research in Technology and the Arts (iARTA) — brings together faculty members and students from across the arts, engineering and science to explore new media applications based on shared expertise and evolving technologies

Scholarships are available to help you pursue your degree. These scholarships are awarded based on creative potential, involvement in the program and academic achievement.

The College of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21; Reston, Va. 20190-5248; telephone 703-437-0700). This distinction means the college meets or exceeds strict academic standards for excellence in education.

What to expect

In addition to applying to the university, you'll need to be admitted to the College of Music through an audition. Auditions are held on campus during the spring semester for fall enrollment.

If you can't audition in person, you may submit a video or audio recording. Once accepted into the college, you'll take a placement exam in piano.

Because success in the Composition program requires a high caliber of musicianship, you're expected to have significant performance experience and some background in music theory. Familiarity with a wide variety of music is also important.

Becoming a Composition major is determined by success in the program during the first two years of study, which includes passing the Freshman Barrier Examination and Sophomore Composition Jury.

The Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.

How to enroll at UNT

High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the distinguished level of achievement under the Texas Foundation, Recommended or Distinguished Achievement high school program or the equivalent.

In your junior year, take the SAT or ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In the fall of your senior year, apply for admission to UNT and to audition for the College of Music by the first Monday in December. You can apply for admission to UNT at ApplyTexas.org. The College of Music application, audition requirements, audition dates and repertoire are available at our website.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult our online transfer guides, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor or advisor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will allow you to receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. Each year, 3,900 students transfer to UNT.