The bachelor of music in composition offers aspiring composers rigorous training in composition, harmony, counterpoint, analysis, conducting, orchestration and digital audio. The high ratio of performance majors to composition majors at Lamont means composers have many opportunities to hear their music. For students interested in digital audio, our state-of-the-art recording studio is wired to every performance and rehearsal space, allowing students to graduate with a diverse portfolio of digitally recorded works.
This selective program provides a conservatory-level education within a vibrant liberal arts university experience. Pursuing a music education pushes students to develop creative thinking, discipline, the capacity to collaborate and emotional intelligence. Thanks to these abilities and developed skills, students can leave prepared for careers inside and outside of music.
About the Program
Audition and Portfolio Requirements
Classical Composition
- For Classical Composition requirements, please visit the Composition studio page.
Jazz Composition
- For Jazz Composition requirements, please visit the Jazz studio page.
Degree Requirements
The bachelor of music in composition consists of 194 total credits, 132 of which come from music. Students receive weekly one-on-one lessons, participate in ensembles, and take coursework in music theory, musicology, conducting and music technology.
In addition to satisfying DU's common curriculum requirements, students must fulfill requirements for piano proficiency, sophomore composition proficiency, music beyond the primary culture and Convocation attendance. After the first quarter, students must have a new work performed on the Lamont Composer's Series Concert each quarter.
See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for full course requirements.
