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Music Composition, B.M.

College of Arts & Sciences

The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. The School’s highly selective composition program emphasizes mastery of technique and encourages students to develop their own artistic voices.

Major category:

Area(s) of interest: Arts, Humanities and Design

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Degree requirements

Applicant type

Applicant type

First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

Music Composition is a capacity-constrained major. An additional application is required after you enroll at the UW, and admission may be competitive. Submission of a portfolio and a personal statement are required for entry into this degree program. Visit the department website for more information.

An application for general admission to the UW is required for all transfer students. UW accepts general applications for Autumn and Winter with some select majors allowing applications in Spring. Review your intended major’s website for information about which quarters it is open for admission.

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.

Use the information below to help you prepare for this major. Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Department admission information

This major is capacity-constrained. Completion of prerequisites does not guarantee admission.
  • Complete: a) MUSIC 202/205, b) MUSIC 216-217-218, and c) MUSIC 120.
  • Transfer students must consult with the Undergraduate Advisor for an evaluation of applicable music transfer courses.
  • Submit the following materials to the Advising Office two weeks prior to the Audition date: a portfolio of recent compositions, scores and recordings as available, transcripts of all undergraduate course work (at the UW or elsewhere), and a statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should indicate why the student has decided on this major and describe the academic coursework and personal experiences and interests that have influenced this decision.

Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Courses REQUIRED for admission:

  • MUSIC 202 A&H – First-Year Theory II
  • MUSIC 205 A&H – First-Year Ear Training II
  • MUHST 212 A&H – Introduction to the History of Western Music III
  • MUSIC 216 A&H – Introductory Composition
  • MUSIC 217 A&H – Introductory Composition
  • MUSIC 218 A&H – Introductory Composition
  • Prospective students must also submit a portfolio of recent compositions. See adviser for more information on the application process.

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 52
Total from Washington community colleges: 10

Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):

3.75 – 4.00: <5
3.50 – 3.74: <5
3.25 – 3.49: <5
3.00 – 3.24: <5
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5

Career outcomes

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