UNCG Composition Program
MUSIC COMPOSITION AT UNCG
The UNCG Composition program is an active, dynamic and supportive community of creative musicians. There are currently about 20 students in the program and we offer a wide variety of courses and opportunities for performance of students’ works. These opportunities come in various forms, including student concerts, orchestra and other large ensemble reading sessions, guest artists, performances or readings, and performances by the Contemporary Chamber Players, a group dedicated entirely to the performance and recording of UNCG-composed music. Every year, over forty student pieces are premiered at UNCG!
The composition area at UNCG also hosts yearly the UNCG New Music Festival, a 3-day event bringing to Greensboro some of the most interesting artists dedicated to new music.
Graduates from our programs typically go on to continue their studies at prestigious Master and doctoral programs, often earning generous scholarships. Recent graduates have received offers from schools such as University of Florida, Bowling Green University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and the University of South Carolina.
AUDITION
The audition for the Composition Program includes submission of a composition portfolio (usually two to three works) and performance audition on an instrument or voice. We would like to ask that you submit your portfolio at least a week prior to your on-campus audition.
FACULTY
Mark Engebretson
Alejandro Rutty
Greg Carroll
MORE INFORMATION
Information for Prospective Undergraduate Students (BM in Composition)
Information for Prospective Graduate Students (MM in Composition)
Links/Sound Clips from Current Students and Recent Graduates
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Two degrees in composition are offered at UNCG, a Bachelor of Music (BM) and the Master of Music (MM). For specific information pertaining to applications and course of study, please see the corresponding links. UNCG offers outstanding composition resources, from our state-of-the-art Alice Virgina Poe Williams Electronic Music Studios, to our outstanding Computer Lab to the collaborations afforded by top-notch student performers and a faculty that is committed not only to the great canon, but also to new music.The BM degree at UNCG is unique in that not only are composition students encouraged to continue study in an applied instrument or voice, it is required. Students typically take 2 years of private lessons on their instrument, along with 4 years of composition study. Scholarships are available for talented incoming students.
The MM is a two-year degree. In addition to private composition study, students take courses in orchestration, electronic music, counterpoint, advanced theory and history and electives. Assistantships are available, as are a limited number of in-state and out-state tuition waivers.
Student composers have the opportunity to present their work at each of two Student Composers Concerts each year, and many other performance possibilities exist throughout the year, including large ensemble reading sessions, a "concerto competition" (for composition students as well as performers) and student recitals. The Composition Program hosts an annual New Music Festival in the spring of each year.
Studio Photos and Inventory
Macintosh G5
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Dell Desktop Computer
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Requirements for Application to the UNCG School of Music
Bachelor of Music in Composition
-- Application must be made to the University-- Application must also be made to the School of Music
- The School of Music requires an audition on your principle instrument(s) or voice. You must be accepted on an instrument or voice in order to undertake composition study. This is because you will also study your instrument for, generally, two years. For the Composition Program, please submit two representative scores of music you have composed. Recordings are appreciated, but not necessary. These may be sent directly to the Coordinator of Composition, Mark Engebretson.
- Please include a short essay on yourself: what kind of music do you listen to, what kind of music do you write? What are your career goals? What would you like to do creatively?
-- Regular School of Music scholarships are available, and there is even a special scholarship for incoming undergraduate composition majors (see link).
-- For more help with the application and audition process, please contact Dianna Carter at (336) 334-3638 or send her email.
-- Scores, recordings and essays may be sent to Mark Engebretson, School of Music, University North Carolina Greensboro, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170.
Requirements for Application to the UNCG School of Music
Master of Music in Composition
-- Application must be made to the Graduate School at the University-- Application must also be made to the School of Music
- For the Composition Program, please submit a portfolio of three to five representative scores of music you have composed. Recordings are appreciated, but not necessary. Please write an essay that gives a clear picture of who you are and your plans for the future. Include information such as your artistic, academic and career goals, musical influences, music-related work experience (inlcuding teaching), aesthetic viewpoints and performances of your music.
- At present, no formal interview or campus visit is required. However, prospective students are encouraged to visit campus if possible and meet with the composition faculty. This gives a chance for us to get to know one another, and for you to get a first-hand look at our facilities.
-- Assistantships are available for talented graduate students. A limited number of out-of-state tuition wavers may also be available. The University furthermore offers highly competitive Fellowships. (see link at right).
-- For more information on Graduate Programs and the application process, please contact Associate Dean William Carroll at (336) 334-3644 or email.
-- Submit your portfolio of scores and essay to Kate Smith, Graduate Secretary, School of Music, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170.
SAMPLE OF STUDENT'S COMPOSITIONS AND SITES
Matt Johnson, Pretense, for saxophone quartet
Andrew Weathers, Some kind of Texas Accent
Jonathan Salter, Streaming induced potential
Michael Cummings, The Gaudy and the Guarded, for orchestra
Eric Bridges, Texturous, for piano and marimba
Nicholas Rich, The Annunciation, for organ and voices
Nick Stubblefield
Chris Hodgin, Rhapsody of Summer, for string orchestra
Thomas Royal
Braxton Sherouse
Adam Murphy
