Music Theory and Composition Master’s program at Illinois State University

The Master of Music in Composition prepares students to build their portfolio in preparation to pursue a Ph.D.

Exclusive reading sessions for ISU composition students during RED NOTE from nationally prominent ensembles.

Composition students regularly receive readings and performances by world-class guest artists and student ensembles, including Illinois State choral ensembles, Illinois State Symphony Orchestra and the award-winning Wind Symphony.

Discover what life as an Illinois State graduate student is like.

A student applying to a master program must:.

Have earned a four-year bachelor degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year.

The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.

The GRE is not required for the Music Composition program.

You must have a degree in music (or the equivalent for international students).

You must submit a School of Music application (included within the University application).

Music Theory and Composition requires three current letters of recommendation.

February 1 for graduate assistantship consideration other applications are reviewed as space permits.

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of . They are intended as a way to facilitate a student progress to degree while providing important professional development.

The School of Music awards a limited number of Graduate Tuition Waivers on a competitive basis to incoming students who show promise for success and who have not received an assistantship or other awards funding tuition costs. The School of Music may also award Graduate Tuition Waivers to current students who show or continue to show growth and promise for success and have made positive contributions to the School.

Incoming students who have been admitted into graduate programs in the School of Music must be enrolled full-time and have a minimum entrance GPA of 2.8 to be eligible to apply. In addition, incoming summers-only MMEd students may be eligible to receive tuition waiver funds but must be full-time teachers and not already receiving funding from their employing school district.

Current full-time students in the School of Music must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to apply. In addition, current summers-only MMEd students may be eligible to receive tuition waiver funds but must be full-time teachers and not already receiving funding from their employing school district.

To apply, complete the tuition waiver application (including the Selective Service Statement) and return the application to Dr. Angelo L. Tuition waivers may be applied to the cost of tuition only the graduate student must make arrangements to pay student fees, insurance, or other educational expenses.

The deadline for priority consideration for a tuition waiver for the fall semester is May 1.

Review information graduate funding options at Illinois State University.

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.