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Eastern Illinois University

Music Composition

The Master of Arts in Music: Composition Concentration offers qualified students the opportunity for in-depth study of music composition at EIU. Students who gain admission into the program

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Music Composition

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
32 Total, 32 in Major
Careers
Directors, Composers, Drama,, Postsecondary
Music Composition students at EIU

Why Study Music Composition at EIU?

  • Individual attention from professional faculty composers
  • Opportunities to write for soloists and various types ensembles
  • Gain experience with electronic media in EIU Electronic Music Studios
  • Expand knowledge of compositional styles and eras
  • Refine your craft and discover your unique compositional voice.
"I really enjoy the environment that exists in the music building. Rather than a spirit of competitiveness, the students really support and uplift each other."
Jemma Allen
Vocal Performance & Vocal Music Education | Class of 2025
Jemma Allen, Vocal Performance & Vocal Music Education at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Individualized instruction with composition faculty
  • Compose music for EIU musicians
  • Create new works in the EIU Electronic Music Studios
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Music Composition students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Composition concentration in the M.A. in Music offers in-depth study of music composition. It is a fit if you are a qualified musician who wants to refine your craft and find your own compositional voice.

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Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Music Directors & Composers
  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ArtisticArtistic interest typeYou like to create. This could mean visual art, performance, writing or music, or using design to shape objects and materials.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,160 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 16% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
16% of lifetime limit

$16,160 total, just 16% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Jamie Ryan
Professor of Percussion
jvryan@eiu.edu
1660 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-2242
Jamie Ryan Message Jamie

Message Jamie

or email jvryan@eiu.edu directly
Brad Decker
Assistant Professor of Music Composition & Technology
bddecker@eiu.edu
Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-2242
Brad Decker Message Brad

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or email bddecker@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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