Private Study Committee Examination Requirement
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Private study committee examinations allow the department to monitor students’ progress not only in their compositional work, but in the area of their general degree progress as a whole.
First Major Committees
Composition majors present their work at the end of the first and second semesters to a faculty jury composed of the entire composition department.
The faculty determines whether the student is performing at a better than satisfactory level, a satisfactory level, or a less than satisfactory level. If the department determines that a student is not making appropriate progress within the major, the student may be refused continuance in the program. It may also be recommended that the student redefine their relationship to the program and seek a composition minor, an individual major, or a more liberal arts-based Bachelor of Arts degree with a music major.
Second Major Committees
Composition majors present their work at the end of the third and fourth semesters to a faculty jury composed of the entire composition department.
The faculty determines whether the student is performing at a better than satisfactory level, a satisfactory level, or a less than satisfactory level. If the department determines that a student is not making appropriate progress within the major, the student may be refused continuance in the program. It may also be recommended that the student redefine their relationship to the program and seek a composition minor, an individual major, or a more liberal arts-based Bachelor of Arts degree with a music major.
Third Major Committees
Composition majors present their work at the end of the fifth and sixth semesters to a faculty jury composed of the entire composition department.
The faculty determines whether the student is performing at a better than satisfactory level, a satisfactory level, or a less than satisfactory level. If the department determines that a student is not making appropriate progress within the major, the student may be refused continuance in the program. It may also be recommended that the student redefine their relationship to the program and seek a composition minor, an individual major, or a more liberal arts-based Bachelor of Arts degree with a music major.
Fourth Major Committee
Composition majors present their work at the end of the seventh or eighth semester to a faculty jury composed of the entire composition department.
The faculty determines whether the student is performing at a better than satisfactory level, a satisfactory level, or a less than satisfactory level. If the department determines that a student is not making appropriate progress within the major, the student may be refused continuance in the program. It may also be recommended that the student redefine their relationship to the program and seek a composition minor, an individual major, or a more liberal arts-based Bachelor of Arts degree with a music major.
Performance Requirement
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Performance of student compositions is central to the department’s curriculum and mission.
Students are also expected to assist in departmental concerts and recitals as part of being a good citizen of the Conservatory. This may include: moving and setting instruments for rehearsals and performances, preparing and distributing posters for performances, striking instruments after rehearsals and performances, and so on.
Midway Concerts
In February of every year there are three student-organized composition concerts called Midway Concerts. There is one for all first-year majors (along with their TIMARA and jazz composition peers), one for all second-year majors, and one for all third-year majors. Every student is required to have a piece on their respective concert and to participate actively in its production.
Senior Recital
The Senior Recital represents the culmination of the student’s work for the major. This normally takes the form of a 60-minute recital of original works, although the department is open to other possible formats for which official approval must be granted.
Senior Portfolio Submission
The senior portfolio submission is due at the end of the junior year and in final form at the end of the senior year.
