A female student stands in front of an orchestra on stage and sings.
Undergraduate | In-Person

Music Composition, BM

Study Music Composition in the heart of Music City!

Why Major in Composition? 

Belmont's Bachelor of Music in Music Composition builds on a strong foundation of compositional technique and gives extensive training in the creation of music. Students have ample opportunity for their compositions to be performed at Belmont and for the community.

Instruments of study within the BM in Music Composition include Voice, Viola, Violin, Cello, Classical Bass, Harp, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Organ, Piano and Guitar.

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What You'll Learn

Belmont's Music Composition program focuses primarily on three elements: the effective development of musical ideas, understanding the elements of musical style and idiomatic writing.

This is a classical degree program.

At Belmont, Composition students participate in the New Music Ensemble in which select student ensemble compositions are performed each semester. Additionally, students are able to submit solo or chamber compositions to be chosen for the two student composition concerts that occur each semester. The degree culminates in a recital in McAfee Concert Hall.

Zoom In

Learn how our unique approach, led by experienced educators like Dr. Mark Volker, prepares students for diverse careers in music.

Read more about our hands-on learning experiences, the New Music Ensemble and how we help students find their own creative voices.

Two students play clarinet on stage in their formal concert wear.

Career Possibilities

Music Composition opportunities have expanded in many ways. You can concentrate on a singular focus or have a combination focus. Among potential career opportunities...

  • Composer of original music for orchestras, operas bands or choirs
  • Producer of original music for film scores
  • University professor in music composition
  • Graduate study in programs such as the University's Master of Music in Composition.

Program Details

Curriculum

Bachelor of Music in Music Composition majors complete 132 hours of coursework over the course of their undergraduate career. This includes an array of courses that gives our students the necessary training for industry success.

  • BELL Core Requirements: 38 Hours (minimum)
  • Music Requirements: 37 Hours
  • Music Composition Requirements: 45 Hours
  • General Electives: 12 Hours

Learn more about the degree requirements

Ensembles & Performance Opportunities

Belmont University's School of Music has a variety of ensembles that showcase the School of Music's incredible musical diversity. From classical chamber groups to popular music ensembles, students have access to many performance opportunities that support the development of their craft.

Explore Ensembles

Watch Live Streamed Performances

See our Schedule of Events

The Belmont University School of Music is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

All programs in the School of Music require an audition. The audition determines admission into the School of Music, which is separate from the University's admission decision.

After submitting the Application for Undergraduate Admission, applicants to the School of Music will receive an email prompting them to complete the Undergraduate School of Music Audition Registration Form in their BU4U account. They will choose their intended in-person audition date or the video audition option.

The School of Music does not prescreen for any of its programs.

Learn more about the audition process

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Contact Us

College of Music & Performing Arts

Alex Routen
Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8116
Email Alex