Bachelor of Music: Composition

Aims

One of the aims of the major in composition is to provide aspiring young composers with the means to extend their musical imagination by studying with an experienced composer, by close examination of masterpieces of all eras, and by a thorough knowledge of contemporary musical expression.

Another aim, closely interwoven with the first, is to provide the means for the effective transmission of musical ideas to performers and audiences by the crafts of composition, i.e., notation, orchestration, and the balance of musical form and content.

Since most majors who finish their degrees at Oberlin choose to continue their education, yet another aim is to prepare the student for the graduate school environment and to facilitate placement in the institution of the student’s choice.

Private Study Committee Exams

At the end of a student’s first and second year in the Composition Program the work and progress of each Composition major is evaluated by the faculty.

This review comprises an evaluation of progress in the following areas:

Composition classes (the quality and the quantity of the work); performing/coaching/conducting of music in class; participation in the critiquing process; general level of participation.
Coursework and applied study in the Conservatory, especially in music theory and musicology classes.
Coursework in the College.
Other creative projects, e.g. dance, theatre, etc.
Overall progress.

Our interest in this process is to advise you as to your status in your Major (or Minor). The faculty will offer a determination as to whether you are performing at a satisfactory level, a better than satisfactory level or a substandard level.

Students who are deemed to be performing at a substandard level at the end of either year may be refused continuance in the Program. It may also be recommended that a composer redefine his/her relationship to composition and become a composition minor or perhaps a college music major with an emphasis in composition.

Detailed comments on individual work will not be offered in this process. Individual critique is provided within the class structure and the advising system.

Composition Requirements

The Sophomore/Junior Composition requirement consists of the composition of a minimum of three original pieces. The performance of these must be approved by the department and presented on departmental recitals, unless the composition will be performed in a reading or in a public performance by one of the following ensembles: Contemporary Music Ensemble, Oberlin Wind Ensemble, Oberlin College Choir, Oberlin Orchestra. This requirement cannot be replaced by a Junior, Senior, or studio class recital. Pieces composed during the freshman year may not be included.

The Senior Composition requirement is to complete two separate works:

The Senior Thesis must be a composition for a large ensemble such as orchestra or wind ensemble. The duration is not defined.
An extended piece having a minimum duration of ten minutes or more is also required. The ensemble is not defined.

Major Status

Freshman Major Status is attained upon being accepted in the Conservatory as a composition major.

Sophomore Major Status is attained upon completion of COMP 103A and B and the First Major Committee Examination.

Junior Major Status is attained upon completion of COMP 203A and B and the Second Major Committee Examination.

Senior Major Status is attained upon completion of PVST VI (Principal Composition Study) and the Sophomore/Junior Composition requirement.

Music Theory and Aural Skills Requirement

Students are expected to register for Music Theory and Aural Skills courses each semester until they have completed the requirements. Part or all of these requirements may be waived by placement examination when the student enters Oberlin.

Music Theory I-IV and Aural Skills I-IV must be taken concurrently, e.g., a student will register for Music Theory I (MUTH 130 or 131) and Aural Skills I in the same semester. Under certain circumstances, with the permission of the appropriate division director and the Music Theory division director, students will be allowed to take Aural Skills IV and Music Theory IV separately. A student’s aural skills requirement must be completed before the senior recital can be scheduled. Double-degree students will resolve any conflicts with these expectations in consultation with their advisors.

Electives

A student should select electives based on the following: a minimum of 76 hours of Conservatory coursework is required; a minimum of 24 hours of liberal arts is required.

Expository Writing Proficiency

Students with an SAT verbal score below 580 or an ACT score below 24, or a TOEFL score below 600 must complete one course chosen from the RHET 111- 119 series.