Master’s in Music Composition

The Master of Music in Composition program at UNC Greensboro advances knowledge of orchestration, electronic music, counterpoint, advanced theory, and music history. The program focuses on helping students build an outstanding portfolio of composed, performed, and recorded work, all with exceptional production value.

About the school of music

The School of Music at UNC Greensboro was ranked #1 in the U.S. by Best Value Schools in 2025.

The UNCG School of Music offers the only comprehensive degrees in music education and music performance in the State of North Carolina, from the undergraduate level through doctoral study.

The school is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Master of music In composition Program Distinctions

The Master of Music in Composition program at UNC Greensboro stands out due to its unique blend of professional resources, collaborative culture, and high-tech facilities such as:

• Alice Virginia Poe Williams Electronic Music Studios which feature a Mac-based 8.1 surround sound studio and a PC-based 5.1 surround sound studio
• Tew Recital where students can replicate live the exact speaker configurations as the electronic music studios
• Industry-standard tools like Max/MSP, Logic, Ableton Live, and ProTools, alongside unique hardware like vintage 1970s Moog synthesizers and Behringer compact mixers

The composition faculty, who are active, commissioned, provide graduate mentorship and regularly construct cross-departmental opportunities.

The music composition graduate Student Experience

Students in the composition program have frequent opportunities to have their work read and performed, and premiered by UNCG’s large ensembles, animation department, and School of Dance. Over 40 student works are performed annually.

Graduate assistants teach Composition Skills or “Making Music with Computers” and assist in the electronic music studios.

Students benefit from masterclasses, portfolio reviews, and collaborative concerts with high-profile guest artists, composers, and contemporary ensembles.

Students participate in the New Music Festival each spring which centers around contemporary music trailblazers.

After Graduating with your master’s in music composition

A Master’s of Music in Composition from prepares students for a multi-faceted career as a professional creator, educator, and audio specialist. Some potential career paths include:

• Composer
• Community College and Adjunct Lecturer
• Film and Video Game Scorer
• Audio Engineer
• Music Arranger
• Private Studio Instructor
• Artistic Director

Graduates are also highly competitive candidates for Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) and Ph.D. programs worldwide, heavily aided by the professional recordings they secure through UNCG’s orchestral reading sessions. 

How to Apply to the Master’s Composition Program

Students interested in the MM in Music Composition complete the UNCG Graduate School admission process and the School of Music Master’s admissions process.

Frequently Asked Questions About The MM in Composition Program