This rapidly growing low-residency Masters Program offers five areas of focus: Music for Media (Film, TV & Game Scoring); Contemporary Composition (i.e. concert music); Electronic Music; Songwriting; and Jazz. Comprised of a diverse and successful faculty, the Program takes an integrated approach to creativity, and students can study with a variety of teachers. Students’ programs are rigorous but self-designed (with the help of their advisors); you have to be self-motivated to fully benefit from a low-residency program such as this.
Twice a year, there is a one-week intensive residency in Montpelier, filled with rehearsals of student works, recording sessions, performances (by world-class visiting ensembles), Master Classes, showcases, demonstrations, and lectures. There is s a strong sense of community among students, faculty and performers. During the rest of the year, students and their advisors communicate regularly using means of their choosing, such as Skype, Dropbox, email, phone, etc. The core of the Program is the close relationship between the students and their mentors; the philosophy of the Program is inclusive, open, and non-elitist. Many of the faculty work in integrated forms, such as concert music within a jazz idiom, or chamber (or film) music with electronic and ethnic elements.
Feel free to contact the Faculty Chair, Dr. Rick Baitz, or Assistant Program Director & Admissions Officer, Sarah Madru.
Download our free article, “Seven Reasons Why the MFA in Music Composition will Blow Your Mind.”
Visit our website here.
