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Composition

Master of Music in Composition

Major code: M705

Required Proficiencies

This degree requires the following proficiencies.

Contacts

Application Deadline

To receive full consideration for admission and graduate assistantships, the application is December 1. The School of Music cannot guarantee an audition, interview, admission, or graduate assistantship if application is received after the deadline.

Assistantships

There is no separate application for assistantship. Unless the applicant indicates otherwise, we assume that all applicants are interested in being considered for assistantships. Please note that assistantships are usually awarded for the Fall and Spring semesters together. We very seldom have assistantships available for anyone entering in a Spring semester. We do not award assistantships for Summer sessions.

Procedure for Applying

Submit the online application (see Graduate Admissions page) along with all materials described below. The applicant may be requested to attend an interview with members of the composition faculty.

Application materials required for this degree

These items must be submitted to the online graduate application system.

  • A list of all works composed. This comprehensive list must include the works title (including all movements as appropriate), instrumentation, length in minutes, date of completion & a listing (date & performance venue) of each work that has been performed.
  • Scores with accompanying recordings (live performances preferred) of three recently completed original compositions that best illustrate compositional style & skill. Scores are not required for fixed media works.
    • Submitted to the online application. Audio or video files or links to online recordings may be submitted under Digital Portfolio > Upload Media. Scores may submitted under Supporting Documents.

Application materials required for all graduate degrees

These items must be submitted to the online graduate application system.

  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
    • Submitted to the online application under the Statement of Purpose tab
    • Please compose a brief personal statement (approximately 2–3 pages of double-spaced, 12-point font text with 1-inch margins) regarding your desire to pursue a graduate degree in music. Include responses to the following prompts:
      1. How would you describe your professional path to this point?
      2. Why do you want to pursue this degree at OU?
      3. How do you want to grow musically, artistically, pedagogically, and/or intellectually during your graduate studies?
      4. What skills, expertise, and experiences do you bring to graduate study at OU?
      5. Describe your post-degree plans (i.e., How will you apply your newly acquired academic knowledge and expertise?).
  • Three letters of reference
    • Submitted to the online application under Recommendations tab
    • Your three reference letters should include:
      • At least one letter from: your studio professor, ensemble conductor, chamber coach, etc., or a person who has considerable knowledge about your abilities as a performer or composer.
      • At least one letter from: a person who can speak to your abilities as a scholar of music.
School of Music
500 West Boyd
Norman, OK 73019
Phone: (405) 325-2081

Updated 3/19/2026 by School of Music: oumusic@ou.edu