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Music Composition (B.Mus.)

The ODU Bachelor of Music in Composition program focuses on the development of composition, analysis and computer skills and is based on a comprehensive study of the theoretical background of music from all periods and various cultures. Do you have musical ideas but struggle to communicate them to others? Do you want to learn how to quickly get your musical ideas in a form that can be played by musicians? Are you fascinated with how music makes a game or movie come alive?

Music Composition (B.Mus.)


Description


What is Music Composition at ODU like?

The ODU Bachelor of Music in Composition program focuses on the development of composition, analysis and computer skills and is based on a comprehensive study of the theoretical background of music from all periods and various cultures. Do you have musical ideas but struggle to communicate them to others? Do you want to learn how to quickly get your musical ideas in a form that can be played by musicians? Are you fascinated with how music makes a game or movie come alive?

Program Highlights


What makes Music Composition at ODU unique?

  • Comprehensive compositional, theoretical and historical curriculum taught on a high level Lecture-recital containing 30 minutes of original music must be presented around the time of the final semester of Music Composition lessons.

  • Numerous ensembles and individual performers available for performances of works by students composers.

  • At least one public performance of a composition per semester is required starting with the third semester of Music Composition lessons .

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Music Composers and Arrangers

$61,490

MEDIAN SALARY


Write and transcribe musical scores.

Music Directors and Composers

$61,490

MEDIAN SALARY


Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs. Includes arrangers, composers, choral directors, and orchestrators.

Sound Engineering Technicians

$68,180

MEDIAN SALARY


Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.

Producers

$90,770

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.

Employers


Graduates from this major have gone to work at

Freelance, Universities, Private

Courses


What are some courses offered in Music Composition at ODU?

MUSC 322:
Advanced Theory


A continuation of MUSC 321; written and keyboard work introducing advanced modulation, extended chordal structures, advanced chromatic harmony, a basic look at compositional techniques and form and analysis, and selected 20th century techniques. Prerequisites: MUSC 321, completion of music theory placement test, or permission of instructor.

MUSC 466:
Modern Music


A study of the techniques and styles in music in the twentieth and twenty-first century. |offered fall, even years) Prerequisites: MUSC 222, MUSC 361, and MUSC 362W, or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 336:
Electronic Music


This introductory course is designed to give students a historical overview of mechanical and electronic music through topical study and listening examples. Additionally, students will create their own electronic music compositions using analog, digital and virtual hardware/software. Prerequisite: Music major or permission of the instructor.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Music Composition at ODU?

Students entering the Bachelor of Music program in Music Composition should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

  • A portfolio consisting of several works for any medium and in any style is required to be considered for the program along with general admission requirements. 

  • To schedule an admission audition visit the following page: https://app.getacceptd.com/odmusic

For admission to the Music Composition program


GPA:

3.00


TOEFL score:

paper based: 550, internet based 79


IELTS score:

6.5


Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Transfer Articulation Agreements


To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ODU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.


Diehn, Breneiser and Vogan scholarships are available to Music Composition students. 

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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PROFESSOR


Name:

Andrey Kasparov


Location:

244 DIEHN CENTER, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-5898


Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Transfer


I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.

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