This 5–10 page paper on a topic related to one of your seminars, as discussed with the seminar instructor, should be submitted at the end of the semester in which the class is taken (and no later than the last day of the spring semester). Please submit the paper to the seminar instructor, as well as the composition DGS.
Before admittance to the General Exam, you must demonstrate mastery of a substantial non-musical discipline: a natural language, computer programming language, video recording and production techniques, or other important ancillary skills. The Department will cover the cost of the Summer Language Program. If you would like to pursue a language not provided by the Graduate School, see the Academic Programs Administrator.
with the composition faculty in May involves an hour-long discussion of your creative work, the first year paper, and a composition chosen by the faculty for close study.
"PSK" is a series open to the public in which student and faculty work are performed by distinguished professionals. Click HERE for more information.
The Composition Colloquium Series, as run by second-year students, hosts talks with interesting composers and artists throughout the academic year in events free and open to the public. Past speakers include Laurie Anderson, Billy Childs, Anna Clyne, Darcy James Argue, Erin Gee, Miya Masaoka, Reza Vali, Nina Young. This year's events are available HERE.
This 10–20 page paper on a topic related to one of your seminars, as discussed with the seminar instructor, should be submitted at the end of the semester in which the class is taken (and no later than the last day of the spring semester). Please submit the paper to the seminar instructor, as well as the composition DGS. Students are encouraged to work with the seminar instructor on the paper, meeting to discuss it and sharing drafts if desired.
advances students to candidacy for the Ph.D., when successfully completed. For more information about the Compositional General Exam, please click HERE.
As noted above, the Language Requirement must be satisfied before undertaking the General Exam.