Bachelor of Music in Composition

The Bachelor of Music in Composition offers students the opportunity to pursue a degree while honing their skills in music writing. As in the case of every major, Composition has a strong Biblical, academic, and theoretical foundation. The Bachelor of Music degree represents the highest standards of professional studies, including the history, theory, pedagogy and practice of many genres of music.

Why Study Composition at Nyack?

• Students who study Composition will have access to some of the finest venues and artists in the world, including current faculty.
• Students will enjoy a valuable academic program which will give them versatility and opportunity in their future graduate program or career choices.
• Students will be nurtured in a Christian atmosphere in which they will find encouragement on their way to fulfillment.
• Students will have an opportunity to explore and perform many types of music and to study with top scholars within the context of a State-accredited private institution.
• Students will be inspired by the commissioned works of a world-famous Artist-in-Residence in Composition, Dr. Victoria Bond.
• Students will make lifelong friends and important interconnections in the world of music in general and composition in particular.

At a Glance

• Credits: 120 Standard
• Completion Time: 4 years
• Accreditation: New York State Board of Regents, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, National Association of Schools of Music

What Will I Study as a Composition Major?

As a Composition Major, you will learn to write for voice, instruments, and keyboard. Together with your Nyack Core Curriculum, you will also study the history, methods, and practice of Composition, including:

• Literature and Materials of Music (an integrated Music History, Theory Mathematics, Science, and cultural sequence)
• Jazz/Gospel Harmony
• Conducting
• Arranging
• Songwriting
• Composition
• Private lessons in Voice, Guitar, Piano, Recorder, or another instrument
• Music Technology and Electro-Acoustical Composition
• Music Ensembles

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to do a Senior Recital of your own compositions, of approximately one hour in length