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Composition, MM

Study Composition, MM at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll graduate prepared for professional careers in the specialized and competitive field of composition and arranging. World-class faculty-mentors will guide you through performing experiences, classes, and one-on-one lessons that prepare you for your career in music. Pursue opportunities and connections by studying near the greater Los Angeles area and its diverse array of opportunities including with theaters,  recording studios, orchestras, jazz bands, and more.

Program at a Glance

The School of Music nurtures students’ faith and talents to develop and excel as world-class music professionals.

Application Deadline

  • Spring Semester Priority Deadline - October 15 
  • Spring Semester Standard Deadline - December 1
  • Fall Semester Priority Deadline - March 15
  • Fall Semester Standard Deadline - June 1

Apply Now

Program Units
33

Cost per Unit
$684

Base Cost
$22,572*

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Band

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Integrate faith and musicianship.
  • Perform and attend your compositions in recitals.
  • Study alongside an experienced faculty-mentor.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
13 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

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Program Details

The Master of Music in Composition prepares musicians for professional careers in the specialized and competitive field of composition and arranging.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

Application Deadlines

Entering Spring

Priority Deadline – October 15
Applications are reviewed as they are received and applicants are encouraged to apply by this date for the first priority for admission and scholarship opportunities.

Standard Deadline – December 1
Applications will be reviewed and considered for remaining scholarship funds available. Applications submitted after this date are welcome and reviewed for admission and scholarships as cohort space and scholarship funds permit.

Entering Fall

Priority Deadline – March 15
Applications are reviewed as they are received and applicants are encouraged to apply by this date for the first priority for admission and scholarship opportunities.

Standard Deadline – June 1
Applications will be reviewed and considered for remaining scholarship funds available. Applications submitted after this date are welcome and reviewed for admission and scholarships as cohort space and scholarship funds permit.

Note: The standard deadline for the fall 2020 semester has been extended to July 31.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

Applicants must possess:

  • Bachelor’s degree in music from an NASM-accredited university or conservatory by the date of entrance
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5–2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.

Applicants must submit:

  • Graduate application for admission
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study


    An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
  • Résumé or statement of experience including academic experience and employment in the music field and professional organizations. Performance majors, please include a repertory list of major performance areas.
  • Letter of intent (500-1,000 words) addressed to the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies that answers the following questions:
  • Please share your interest in studying music as it relates to your emphasis (conducting, performance, composition, music education) at APU.
  • What are your career goals, and how would this degree assist you?
  • Share a significant experience with a work of music.
  • What is your understanding on the relationship between music and religion?
  • Two letters of recommendation: one from an academic and/or professional source, and one from a personal source (no family members).

Application is not complete without:

  • Complete an entrance exam to qualify for admission. Contact Alisa Barsegyan at [email protected] for requirements.
  • Submit previous work and schedule an interview. Applicants for the graduate composition degree must submit 15 minutes worth of previous compositions in contrasting styles and schedule an interview with a faculty member. View the submission requirements below for more information.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
  • Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
  • Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Many financial aid options are available to make your composition degree affordable.

Tuition
Tuition (per unit) $684
Units 33
Base Program Cost $22,572

Estimated Cost Breakdown

See the tables below for the tuition charges and fees that comprise your estimated total program cost.

Tuition and Fees
  Cost
Graduate Application Fee for U.S. Students $45
Graduate Application Fee for International Students $45
Tuition ($684/unit) $22,572
Audit (per unit) half-price tuition
Music: Private Applied Voice, Instrument, Conducting, or Composition $350
Intent to Commence and/or Graduate Fee $100

View a complete list of university fees.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.

Paying for Your Program

APU offers a variety of ways to help you pay for your graduate program. From scholarships and grants, to loans and company reimbursement, we're committed to being sure that cost doesn't keep you from reaching your educational goals.

Learn more about the financial aid opportunities available to you.

Scholarships are available in all disciplines.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

In addition to completing an application, the following are required for admission to the graduate composition degree program:

  1. Submit 15 minutes worth of previous compositions in contrasting styles, in both score and mp3 format.
  2. Schedule an interview with a composition faculty member. Submission and discussion of previous compositions will take place at that time. Contact the School of Music at (626) 815-3848 or [email protected] to schedule an interview.

Prospective students who are not able to appear in person may send their compositions, clearly marked as such, to Philip Shackleton, DMA, chair of the Department of Musical Studies, at [email protected], and schedule a subsequent telephone interview.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contact

Alisa Barsegyan, [email protected], (626) 387-5725

School of Music

Phone

(626) 815-3848

Fax

(626) 969-7419

Mail

School of Music
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000

Hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

  • Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 
  • A degree from Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Featured Faculty

Zachary Cheney

Zachary Cheney

Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, College of the Arts; Chair and Assistant Professor of Screen Studies, Department of Cinematic Arts

Joel Clifft

Joel Clifft

Professor; Director of Keyboard Studies

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

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The vocals of Azusa Pacific University professor Michael Geiger, MFA, adjunct professor, School of Music, associate director, Men's Chorale, were featured in the film and soundtrack of the latest cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

*Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) is provided to aid in program comparison only.
All stated financial information is subject to change. View Tuition tab above.

Related Programs

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Available Concentrations:

Brass, Wind, Percussion, Guitar, Harp, Organ, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Vocal

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  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Music Theory, Performance

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