Why Study Music Composition?
Through the Bachelor of Music in Composition, you develop technical, analytical, and creative skills to compose original music. You build a portfolio through performances by student and professional ensembles and gain experiences.
Develop Your Creative Voice
Students compose music throughout the curriculum, exploring their artistic interests while developing a portfolio of original work across a variety of styles and media.
Work One-on-One with Faculty
Private composition study provides personalized guidance in creative development, technique, revision, and professional growth throughout the degree.
Hear Your Music Come to Life
Composition students regularly work with musicians and ensembles, gaining valuable experience writing for live performers and hearing their work realized in performance.
It’s a good fit for you if you:
- Enjoy creating original music and exploring new ideas
- Want to develop both artistic and technical skills
- Are interested in theory, orchestration, and musical structure
- Value individualized instruction and creative mentorship
What You’ll Study
Music Composition students study the creative, technical, and analytical dimensions of music. Coursework develops the skills needed to compose, revise, perform, and communicate musical ideas across a variety of settings and formats.
In Demand-Skills:
- Composition and creative development
- Music theory and analysis
- Orchestration and arranging
- Musical notation and score preparation
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students complete 64 credit hours through intensive study in composition and core musicianship while also participating in ensembles, applied music, and broader liberal arts coursework.
View Music Composition B.M. requirements
Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.
Program Highlights
Student Works in Performance
Music Composition students hear their original works performed by student and professional ensembles on and off campus.
Composition Across Media and Methods
Students build their craft through study in theory, counterpoint, orchestration, electronic music, and private composition lessons.
Music Beyond the Classroom
Research, study abroad, service-learning, and collaborations with local ensembles help students connect composition to the wider musical world.
Recent Graduate Careers
Music Composition graduates leave Trinity with strong creative, analytical, and collaborative skills. Many continue advanced musical study while others apply their expertise across creative industries and professional environments.
Composition and Graduate Study
Students pursue advanced degrees in composition, theory, music technology, and related fields, continuing to develop their artistic practice and scholarly interests.
Electronic Music and Production
Knowledge of composition, technology, and sound supports work in music production, recording, audio design, and emerging digital media fields.
Media, Performance, and Creative Industries
Graduates apply their compositional skills in areas such as songwriting, arranging, performance support, arts organizations, and other creative professions.
Leadership and Project-Based Careers
The discipline, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving developed through composition study support success in a wide range of professional settings beyond music.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Music Composition major should:
Explore introductory courses in composition, music theory, electronic music, or ensembles, and review the course catalog for detailed requirements.