Bachelor of Arts: Composition
The Music Composition program of Columbia College Chicago combines technical training with a practical approach. Techniques learned are immediately applied in assignments that are critiqued in class. Every course in the composition program culminates in a performance of student work by a professional ensemble. The composition curriculum is designed to provide students from diverse composition backgrounds the skills necessary to compose in a variety of genres and idioms.
Students continue their studies with several semesters of private composition lessons and advanced courses such as Counterpoint, Orchestration and Composing for Films. Beyond the mastery of techniques, students are encouraged to express themselves freely, with their own voice.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music requires the completion of 38 credit hours of core courses, 26 credit hours of specialized course work, 14 credit hours of electives and 42 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences classes, totaling 120 credit hours.
Download Bachelor of Arts in Composition program information sheet.
Composition Requirements:
Additional Requirements:
- Composition I focuses on melodic writing based on a vocal model, tonal harmony and short forms.
- Composition II continues this direction and adds chromatic harmony and counterpoint.
- Composition III adds extended tonality, modern techniques, orchestration and forms composed for large ensembles.
Students continue their studies with several semesters of private composition lessons and advanced courses such as Counterpoint, Orchestration and Composing for Films. Beyond the mastery of techniques, students are encouraged to express themselves freely, with their own voice.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music requires the completion of 38 credit hours of core courses, 26 credit hours of specialized course work, 14 credit hours of electives and 42 credit hours of liberal arts and sciences classes, totaling 120 credit hours.
Download Bachelor of Arts in Composition program information sheet.
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Sightsinging, Musicianship & Ear Training I Sightsinging, Musicianship & Ear Training II Sightsinging, Musicianship & Ear Training III Sightsinging, Musicianship & Ear Training IV Theory, Harmony & Analysis I Theory, Harmony & Analysis II Theory, Harmony & Analysis III Theory, Harmony & Analysis IV Exploring the Art of Music Keyboard I Keyboard II Keyboard Harmony I Columbia College Chorus Music History & Analysis I Music History & Analysis II Independent Project: Music (Senior Recital) Recital Attendance (8)
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2 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 1 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 0 hrs
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| Total | 38 hrs |
Composition Requirements:
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Composition I Composition II Composition III Orchestration I Fundamentals of Conducting Counterpoint II Private Lessons: Piano Private Lessons: Inst. or Voice Ensemble
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3 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 5 hrs
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| Total Required Music Courses | 26 hrs |
Additional Requirements:
| Liberal Arts and Sciences Electives
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42 hrs 14 hrs
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| Grand Total Required Courses | 120 hrs |