Graduate Programs

CCM offers both a Master of Music in Composition (MM) degree and a Doctoral of Musical Arts in Composition (DMA) degree.

From the outset, students at CCM study with major teachers of their choice and may move from one to another according to mutually agreed-upon decisions. Extensive work is done in CCM’s computer music studios. Interaction with student performers under professors’ guidance is offered in workshop courses. Courses in visual media are team taught by composition and media professors.

Composers of national and international repute visit CCM regularly to teach, lecture and meet informally with students to discuss their own work and that of other composers. Most of these visits coincide with performances of the composer's work by CCM ensembles or the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. These visits add a valuable element to CCM's commitment to the creation, performance and recognition of new music. Guests have included such distinguished composers as John Adams, Samuel Adler, William Bolcom, Elliott Carter, George Crumb, Philip Glass, Jennifer Higdon, Karel Husa, Aaron Jay Kernis, Krzysztof Penderecki, Bernard Rands, Frederick Rzewski, Joseph Schwantner, Sir Michael Tippett and many others. Each season promises to be equally stimulating with an exciting list of guests.

The master's program is designed to provide a comprehensive course of study in the composition of music in both acoustic and electro acoustic mediums. A candidate is expected to compile a portfolio of compositions in the course of their studies in the master's program, culminating in a solo composition recital given towards the end of their degree program. To accomplish these goals, a candidate will need to develop the requisite skills associated with the technique of musical composition as well as familiarize themselves with the literature and aesthetic issues pertaining to the field. In addition, students in the master's program will undergo a course of study in graduate level theory and history needed in the formation of a well-rounded musician. The MM in composition helps students acquire competence in the broad range of endeavors characteristic of composing through various means:

  • Lessons
  • Board Examinations
  • Recitals
  • Ensemble Participation
  • Classes in music theory, music history, graduate research and writing and music electives.

To accomplish these goals, students will also need to develop the requisite skills in musicianship, languages, etc. Determination of a student's specific responsibilities will be made by a principal adviser, cognate adviser, and director of graduate studies.

Composition students at CCM enjoy a wide variety of performing opportunities ranging from small ensembles to orchestral readings and performances. In addition there are a number of special programs available, such as the Visiting Composers Series and the exchange program with the China Conservatory in Beijing. CCM's composition students are also engaged in a number of activities outside the campus, such as performance in new music ensembles, participation in festivals and membership in professional societies. CCM can provide support for these activities. The CCM Center for Computer Music provides computer music studios and opportunities for composition, performance and research involving technology.

The DMA program is designed to provide a comprehensive course of study in the composition of music at the advanced level in both acoustic and electro acoustic mediums.  A candidate is expected to compile a portfolio of compositions in the course of their studies in the DMA program, culminating in a solo composition recital given towards the end of their degree program. To accomplish these goals, a candidate will need to develop the requisite skills associated with the technique of musical composition, as well as familiarize themselves with the literature and aesthetic issues pertaining to the field.

In addition, students in the DMA program will undergo a course of general studies in the history and literature of music, as well as studies in a cognate area to be determined in consultation with the composition faculty and director of graduate studies. Composition students at CCM enjoy a wide variety of performing opportunities ranging from small ensembles to orchestral readings and performances. In addition there are a number of special programs available, such as the Visiting Composers Series and the exchange program with the China Conservatory in Beijing.

CCM's composition students are also engaged in a number of activities outside the campus, such as performance in new music ensembles, participation in festivals and membership in professional societies. CCM can provide support for these activities. The CCM Center for Computer Music provides computer music studios and opportunities for composition, performance and research involving technology.

The DMA in Composition consists of the following requirements:

  • Performance/Instruction
    • Weekly Lessons
    • Two DMA Recitals
    • One Lecture Recital
  • Coursework/Classes
    • Performance Preparation
    • Historical Perspective
    • Cognate Field of the student's choosing
  • Comprehensive Written and Oral Exams in Composition and the student's cognate
  • Final Composition Document

CCM's graduate admissions process begins on September for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All pre-screening materials must be received by November 15. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 1 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.

Pre-screening Requirements

  • Portfolio of three original works:
    • Undergraduate applicants: a recording of at least one of the submitted works (live recordings are preferred where possible)
    • Graduate applicants: recordings of at least two of the submitted works (live recordings are preferred where possible)
    • All applicants: documentation of the submitted works should include scores (in the case of works with instruments or voice) or alternate format (in the case of purely electronic music)
  • All applicants should submit a list of works composed

Interview

More information about interviews coming soon.

If you visit our Thesis and Dissertation Requirements page you will be guided on how to submit your Master's Thesis. Your thesis is the major work written during your residency. When you and your teacher decide which piece this should be, the link will give you all of the steps you should follow to submit it successfully. This involves paperwork to be signed by the faculty approving your thesis and some very specific instructions on how to format the work. This must be submitted before you can apply for graduation.