Music students at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø University train in an innovative and diverse music theory and musicianship curriculum that sharpens their ears and musical imaginations. They also participate in Creative Music Lab Ensemble (CMLE), a cutting-edge performance group in which members experiment with diverse musical practices, create music collaboratively, compose, and present concerts of new works.
Composition Concentration
Students who want to focus their studies on creating music can take applied composition lessons, and may earn a B.A. Major in Music with a . This program helps each student develop their craft and individual musical identity while grounding them with the intellectual and humanistic depth of 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s liberal arts core.
- Composition students gain experience and build their musical portfolios through readings, workshops, and recorded performances of their compositions by professional musicians.
- Orchestration class teaches students the craft of composing for different instruments, ensembles, as well as writing for the symphony orchestra.
- Intro to music technology trains students in the fundamentals of recording technology and digital audio workstations (DAWS).
- Composition majors at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø create music in a variety of styles and genres, including contemporary concert music, musical theater, film-scoring, and song-writing.
WHY MUSIC COMPOSITION AT GONZAGA?
Performance opportunities: Composition students see their works performed publicly, both at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s state-of-the-art Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, and throughout the region.
Flexibility: Many students are able to maintain a second major or minor outside of the music program.
Network opportunities: Students have access to a strong network of alumni and industry professionals.
Future pathways: 91³Ô¹ÏÍø composition students have gone on to prominent graduate composition programs, including the University of Oregon and The University of Arizona, as well as professional careers as composers, teachers, and musicians.
To inquire about our composition and theory programs at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø University, please contact Dr. Michael Kropf by email.