Master of Music in Composition

Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2027 for Fall 2027 entry

Step 1: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission. 

Application Requirements:

• Completion of a US bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Online Application for Graduate Admission
• Personal Statement
• Résumé
• Two letters of recommendation commenting on your musical and academic abilities.
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities where you did the following*:
  • Earned a degree
  • Earned more than 15 credits (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Completed any program prerequisite (regardless of number of credit hours)
  • Completed courses for which candidates are applying for transfer credit
• International applicants must provide proof of a minimum level of proficiency in the English language as well as submit additional financial documentation. See the International Student Application process.
• Pre-screening videos

*Transcripts
Copies of official transcripts may be uploaded in the online application for application review only. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required to submit official, final transcripts issued directly from the institution(s) for verification prior to enrollment. More information is available in the application for admission.

Step 2: If you pass the pre-screening phase, you will be invited to campus to complete an interview with the Composition faculty. Virtual interviews are available by request, but in-person is preferred. You will be contacted by the School of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. During the interview, you should have printed copies of three scores to share and discuss with the faculty. If you have questions or have not been contacted regarding the results of your pre-screening, please email JCAadmissions@butler.edu.

Step 3: Complete any Graduate Assistantship position interviews/auditions. Requirements differ by position. We will do our best to include any required evaluations on the same day as your interview.

Total Credit Hours: 30 credit hours
Anticipated Duration: 2 years
Degree requires a composition recital, thesis, and final oral comprehensive exam

Required Courses:

• Advanced Composition
• Ensemble
• Research in Music
• Music History Elective
• Professional Topics in Music Composition
• Composition Seminar
• Composition Recital
• Thesis
• Final Comprehensive Examination
• Music Theory Electives including Intro and/or Advanced Electronic Music if not taken as undergrad
• General Music Electives

Download full degree guide as a PDF

We offer a limited number of graduate assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers to graduate music students in the fall of every academic year. Graduate awards are reviewed and renewed annually. Below is a list of positions related to the MM in Composition degree; view a full list of graduate assistantship positions.

Note: New students applying for entry in the spring semester will not be eligible for a graduate assistantship, fellowship, or tuition waiver, but may apply for the following academic year.

Composition Area Scholarship

Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference given to MM in Composition applicants, but students pursuing any degree plan are welcome to apply.

How to Apply: Select the Composition Area Scholarship when prompted on the Graduate Application. An audition and interview may be required for applicants who are not pursuing an MM in Composition.

Award Details: Includes either a half or full tuition waiver of graduate tuition for 7.5 or 15 credit hours per year.

Duties: Perform in JCA Composer’s Orchestra (New Music Ensemble) and enroll in private composition lessons for at least two semesters (the tuition waiver will cover the associated private lessons fee).

Faculty Supervisors: Frank Felice, Professor of Composition and Director of New Music Ensemble; Michael Schelle, Professor of Composition, Artist-in-Residence, Coordinator of Composition.

Music Theory & History Tutor

Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Students pursuing any degree plan are welcome to apply.

How to Apply: Select the Music Theory & History Tutor position when prompted on the Graduate Application. An interview is required.

Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.

Duties: Tutor undergraduate music students in one-on-one sessions and lead group review sessions for exams in written theory, aural skills, music history, and/or keyboard skills classes. Other duties as assigned. Position will require 10 hours of service per week.

Faculty Supervisors: Dr. Fred Hosken, Assistant Professor of Music Theory; Dr. Nicholas Johnson, Associate Professor of Musicology; Dr. Sophie Benn, Assistant Professor of Musicology, Associate Director of Graduate Music Studies.

For application or general questions, contact the JCA Admission office at JCAadmissions@butler.edu or 317-940-9656.