Bachelor of Music - Music Composition

Admission Process & Requirements

All of our majors require the following steps to Admission:

Step 1: Apply to UGA
Step 2: Apply to HHSOM
Step 3: Schedule and Complete Audition

Once all that is complete, HHSOM generates it’s acceptance list but waits to see if you are admitted to UGA. Once you are accepted to UGA, if you are also on our list we will send your HHSOM acceptance at that time.
 

Apply to UGA Apply to HHSOM Schedule Audition

Degree Details

The Bachelor of Music in Music Composition is a professional degree preparing qualified students for work in the music industry and/or graduate study. The program provides three years of applied lessons in a primary instrument and three years of intensive study in composition, during which students participate in weekly seminars that focus on analysis and the evaluation of undergraduate compositions. The program includes a strong foundation in music theory and music history. Performance of contemporary music is emphasized. The four years of study culminates with a composition recital that presents a multi-movement or large-form composition for an ensemble. Composition majors are also required to perform recitals in their applied area (vocal or instrumental).

Applicants are required to audition for admission into this program. Intended composition majors are asked to upload 2-5 contrasting examples of original compositions. Please upload scores as PDF files. Non-notated examples such as audio files or other media may also be submitted. Any and all genres and styles are welcome. We prefer original compositions but will also consider arrangements/transcription examples. Students who are interested in the B.M. in Composition, but who do not yet have examples of original music to share, are encouraged to join the Student Composers Association and submit work samples in the spring of their first year in consideration for admittance to the B.M. in Composition.

Official Declaration of Major

There are two tracks for the composition program:

Red Track
The Red Track of the composition program allows interested and eligible undergraduate students to begin the composition major in their second year. Students must interview with the music composition faculty at the end of the first year of music study with a portfolio of compositions or arrangements (notated music in PDF format or audio files are acceptable) and maintain a grade of B or better in all core music theory and aural skill courses to be admitted to and remain in the composition program. Full acceptance to the program requires a jury before the composition faculty at the end of the second year in which works written as part of the Introduction to Composition class are presented for consideration.

Black Track
The Black Track of the composition program allows interested and eligible undergraduate students to begin the composition major in their first year. Students must upload examples of compositions/arrangements (notated music in PDF format or audio files are acceptable) to your music application to be considered. Full acceptance to the program requires a jury before the composition faculty at the end of the first year in which works written as part of the Introduction to Composition class are presented for consideration.

Additional Student Resources

• UGA Bulletin - Outlines B.M. in Music Composition degree and university-wide requirements
• Franklin College Requirements - Music Composition students are required to fulfill all of the Franklin College requirements. 
• Sample Degree Plan
• Composition & Theory Workshop
• Student Organizations
• Academic Advising - All Music Composition majors, including double majors, are required to meet with a music advisor each semester.
• UGA Student Handbook - Essential information for all UGA students
• DegreeWorks - Our degree audit portal for enrolled students
• Athena - UGA portal for the university-wide application, current course listings, and class registration
• SAGE - Allows students and advisors to schedule appointments
• UGAMail - Official UGA email system
• eLC - UGA online learning management system