Students entering this program should have a strong background in music. This should include performance experience with a specific instrument or voice type.
Admission into the Major
In order to declare a major in music composition, students must submit sample compositions to be reviewed by the composition faculty. To begin the application process, students must fill out a separate application to the School of Music, which is available online at http://music.ua.edu/apply-audition/. Upon successful review of the submitted materials, students are expected to declare a major formally no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama.
Grade Point Average
A 2.0 grade point average in the major is required for completion of the degree. Please see the Grades and Grade Points section of this catalog for an explanation on grade point average calculations.
Upper-level Residency
A minimum of 12 hours of 300- or 400-level courses in the major must be earned on this campus.
Required Minor
The music composition major does not require the completion of a minor.
Additional Major Requirements
MUS 121 Intro To Listening does not satisfy the fine arts (FA) general education requirement for music majors. Composition majors may audition for status as “principals” in any instrument or voice. Principal status qualifies the student for two hours of credit per semester instead of the usual one hour. Not more than 10 hours or fewer than two hours may be taken in any single instrument or family of instruments. Students who do not qualify as piano principals must enroll for that instrument during every semester. During the senior year, composition majors must present, to the satisfaction of the composition faculty, a recital of their works. Readings of works for large ensemble will count toward the fulfillment of this requirement.
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all University, College, major and minor requirements. However, each student must meet with an adviser in the major department for academic planning and to be approved for registration each semester. College advisers are also available for additional assistance with minor, college and University requirements.
MUA Applied Courses
Students must earn a minimum of four hours and four semesters in a single instrument or voice chosen from the following courses:
MUA Ensembles Courses
Four semesters of ensembles should be chosen from the following courses:
Career opportunities include full-time work as a performing musician, full-time opportunities as a licensed music therapist, and many other opportunities within the music industry.
Types of Jobs Accepted
Recent graduates from The University of Alabama are very successful in major symphony orchestras, military bands and jazz, as freelancers, and as working music therapists.
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center
