Mature as an Artist, Scholar and Teacher
Recognized as an outstanding institution for graduate music study, UNC’s School of Music offers superior training for faculty positions. Our Doctor of Arts in Music with emphasis in Composition enables you to work with accomplished composers to develop your creative voice. You’ll also get advanced instruction in music pedagogy, research, and scholarship, graduating with a well-rounded skill-set that makes a strong impression on hiring committees.
UNC’s School of Music faculty includes a number of successful composers whose works have been performed throughout the world. You’ll get strong one-on-one guidance and mentoring, with encouragement to deepen and refine your own artistry. Graduates of or music composition D.A. program have an excellent track record of success, earning faculty placements at institutions that are accredited by the National Association of Music Schools.
Degree Option
D.A. in Music Composition
The D.A. in music composition requires 70 hours of coursework. It includes a written dissertation and a recital of your original compositions written during the doctoral program. You’ll also get hands-on experience in college-level teaching via a supervised practicum.
Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements.
Your Future in Music Composition
UNC-trained composers have an outstanding track record of professional achievement. You’ll enter the academic job market with an exceptionally versatile skill-set, including superior training in college level teaching. Widely recognized as a leader in graduate music education, the UNC School of Music has been recognized by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education as a Program of Excellence.
Consider UNC’s D.A. in Music Composition if you want to:
- Teach music at the college level
- Fully develop your creativity as a composer
- Build well-rounded skills in teaching, composition, and scholarship
- Work with dedicated and accomplished faculty
You’ll learn:
- Advanced music theory
- Structure and analysis
- Music pedagogy
- Research methods
- History of music
Sample courses:
- Music History Seminar
- Music Theory
- Individual Performance
- Studies in Effective Teaching
Beyond the Classroom
UNC’s School of Music is home to an extremely active community of performers. As a D.A. candidate in composing, you’ll be able to collaborate with more than 400 extremely talented college musicians, with specializations in nearly every musical genre. Whether you’re debuting your own compositions or simply honing your skills as a performer, UNC’s ensembles add enormous value to your doctoral experience.
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