Master of Music in Composition and Computer Music Composition—Thesis
MM students in Composition and Computer Music Composition write an original composition as a thesis. For the MM in Composition: If writing for a large ensemble (e.g. orchestra, wind ensemble, sinfonietta), the duration should be roughly 7 to 10 minutes. If writing for a smaller ensemble (e.g. Pierrot ensemble), the duration should be longer, at least 12 to 15 minutes.
Students should submit the Program Completion Application no later than the beginning of the semester in which they plan to graduate. (Graduation information)
Step 1: Compose the Thesis
Write the thesis and program notes in consultation with your teacher and in accordance with these formatting guidelines.
For computer music composition majors - if your thesis is a fixed-media piece that is not possible to score on paper, consult with the Music Graduate Office for instructions on submitting a zip file for the score component. You will still need to submit the thesis front matter, so the zip file will include the media file and front matter. More details are on the formatting guidelines page.
Step 2: Teacher Approval
Once the thesis is completed to the satisfaction of your teacher, prepare the signature page and have it signed by your teacher.
If you will be submitting a bound printed copy, print the signature page on the same paper as used for final submission and include the signed signature page where indicated in the formatting guidelines.
If submitting electronically, ask your major field teacher to email the Music Graduate Office with his approval of the final version of the thesis.
Step 3: Final Submission
Prepare the final copy and submit it as outlined below:
The thesis must be completed to the satisfaction of your teacher at least two weeks before the end of the term in which you wish to graduate. Submission during the summer is possible, but only with approval of your thesis director.
Master of Music in Music Scoring for Visual Media—Thesis
MM students in Music Scoring for Visual Media write original music for a film as a thesis.
Students should submit the Program Completion Application no later than the beginning of the semester in which they plan to graduate. (Graduation information)
Step 1: Compose the Thesis
Write the thesis and program notes in consultation with your teacher and in accordance with these formatting guidelines.
Step 2: Teacher Approval
Once the thesis is completed to the satisfaction of your teacher, ask your major field teacher to email the Music Graduate Office with their approval of the final version of the thesis.
Step 3: Final Submission
Prepare the final copy and submit it as outlined below:
The thesis must be completed to the satisfaction of your teacher at least two weeks before the end of the term in which you wish to graduate. Submission during the summer is possible, but only with approval of your thesis director.