The undergraduate Music Composition program at ³Ô¹ÏÍø is at the hub of a creative community hallmarked by artistic excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration. The program is rich with performance opportunities. Since the arrival of Dr. Edward Knight in 1997, over 1,400 works – solo pieces, soundtracks, film scores, sacred works, immersive multimedia, ballet and modern dance, chamber music, theatrical events, and compositions for choir and orchestra – written by OCU composers from five continents have been premiered on and around campus.
The student-led composer consortium, Project 21: Music of the 21st Century, stages eight or more concerts of new works each year. In addition, university orchestra, bands and choirs regularly read and record student compositions.
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Through workshopping and performance, OCU composition majors gain insight into how music works, developing compositional techniques that empower them to develop their unique, authentic voice. Professional skills are emphasized, encouraging student composers to organize rehearsals and performances, building a network of fellow artists: singers, dancers, actors, choreographers, lyricists, filmmakers, game designers, lighting designers, and instrumentalists
The promise of regular performances provides composers with deadlines, the opportunity to hear their work played by skilled musicians and ensembles, and the inspiration and incentive to experiment, take chances and push boundaries as they reach across disciplines to create the music of our time.
– Composition Scores: Please upload three PDF scores to .
– Composition Recordings: Upload acoustic or MIDI recordings along with your corresponding PDF scores.
– Composition Interview: An in-person or remote interview will be scheduled with Dr. Edward Knight.
– Instrumental/Vocal Audition: Applicants will need to complete an in-person or remote audition on their primary instrument/voice.
³Ô¹ÏÍø our Music Auditions page for more information and dates.
The degree plan below shows the courses required for completion of a Bachelor of Music in Composition. The course sequence is a suggestion only, and each student will meet with his or her advisor to discuss the most appropriate sequence for that student.
All degrees require a minimum of 124 earned credit hours. Students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours to be considered a full-time student. Students must receive credit for six semesters of Music Assembly. Students must attain the required proficiency and performance levels as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog.
*All courses listed on this degree plan are required for the completion of this degree. The course sequence is a suggestion only, and each student will meet with his or her advisor to discuss the most appropriate sequence for that student.
All degrees require a minimum of 124 earned credit hours. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours to be considered a full-time student. Students must receive credit for six semesters of Music Assembly in their first six semesters at OKCU. Students must attain the required performance levels as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog.
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 1112 | Theory I | 2 |
| MUS 1122 | Aural Skills I | 2 |
| AM 1371 | Major Instrument | 1 |
| AMA 1571 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS 1211 | Freshman Composition A | 1 |
| MUEN | Major Ensemble | 1 |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 14 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 1212 | Theory II | 2 |
| MUS 1222 | Aural Skills II | 2 |
| AM 1471 | Major Instrument | 1 |
| AMA 1671 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUS 1311 | Freshman Composition B | 1 |
| MUEN | Major Ensemble | 1 |
| AM 1471 | Minor Instrument | 1 |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 2112 | Theory III | 2 |
| MUS 2122 | Aural Skills III | 2 |
| AM 1371 | Major Instrument | 1 |
| AMA 1771 | Class Piano III | 1 |
| MUS 2312 | Sophomore Composition A | 2 |
| MUEN | Major Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 1123 | Music and the Human Experience | 3 |
| AM 1371 | Minor Instrument | 1 |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 35XX | Theory Topical Course | 2 |
| MUS 35XX | Theory Topical Course | 2 |
| MUS 3133 | Writing About Music | 3 |
| MUS 3142 | Conducting Fundamentals | 2 |
| MUS 2412 | Sophomore Composition B | 2 |
| AM 471 | Major Instrument | 1 |
| AMA 1871 | Class Piano IV | 1 |
| MUEN | Major Ensemble | 1 |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 17 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 3113 | Orchestration | 3 |
| MUS 3313 | Junior Composition A | 3 |
| AM 1371 | Major Instrument | 1 |
| AMA 1371 | Applied Piano | 1 |
| MUEN | Major Ensemble | 1 |
| Gen Ed & Lab | 4 | |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 4233 | Musicology Seminar | 3 |
| MUS 3242 | Conducting—Instrumental or Vocal (Fall) | 2 |
| MUS 3413 | Junior Composition B | 3 |
| AM 1471 | Major Instrument | 1 |
| MUS 4412 | 18th Cent. Counterpoint | 2 |
| AMA 1471 | Applied Piano | 1 |
| MUEN | Major Ensemble | 1 |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 4112 | Forms & Analysis | 2 |
| MUS 4513 | Senior Composition A | 3 |
| AM 1371 | Major Instrument | 1 |
| AMA 1371 | Applied Piano | 1 |
| MUEN | Major Ensemble | 1 |
| AM 4341 | Recital on Major Instrument | 1 |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| MUS | Music Literature Elective | 3 |
| MUS 4613 | Senior Composition B | 3 |
| AM 1471 | Major Instrument | 1 |
| AMA 1471 | Applied Piano | 1 |
| MUEN | Major Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 4441 | Composition Recital | 1 |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Gen Ed | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
All degrees require a minimum of 124 earned credit hours.
**Transfer students with at least 29 transferable hours (excluding CLEP, AP and IB credit) may substitute a single course of three or more credit hours for the LAS requirement. This course may be from the OKCU curriculum or transferred from another university. It may not meet any other degree requirement.
PHIL/REL 2703 Christian Ethics
ENGL 2713/2813 Survey of American Literature
a higher level math course
ECON 2113 Principles of Microeconomics
For international students whose first language is other than English, a TOEFL score of 550 or above (equivalent score on the IBT is 80 or above). Online coursework will not be accepted.
See course schedule each semester for courses approved as service learning courses.
