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Eastern Illinois University

Music Performance: Music Composition

In our Music Composition program, you’ll work closely with experienced composers and performers while developing your own creative voice. You’ll have opportunities to write music for ensembles, collaborate with other student musicians, hear your compositions performed, and explore a wide range of musical styles. With personalized instruction and a supportive community, you’ll build the skills and confidence to become the composer you want to be.

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Music Performance: Music Composition

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Music
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
124 Total, 58 in Major
Careers
Directors, Composers, Drama,, Postsecondary
Music Performance: Music Composition students at EIU

Why Study Music Performance: Music Composition at EIU?

  • As a composition student, you'll receive personalized one-on-one instruction from experienced faculty while continuing to develop your skills on your primary instrument through private lessons and studio participation.
  • Opportunities to write music for soloists and various types of ensembles
  • Each semester, the Composers' Forum showcases original student compositions in a public concert. You'll collaborate with fellow musicians, organize rehearsals, and oversee the performance of your music, giving you hands-on experience throughout the creative process.
  • Gain experience with electronic media in EIU Electronic Music Studios
  • Develop your own compositional style and musical understanding
"I visited EIU several times as a high school student, and one thing that stuck out to me every time I was on campus was the sense of community the school exuded. As a musician, and especially as a composer, community is vital to my line of work. While at EIU, I have found dozens of lifelong friends and collaborators with whom I can share my passion for music."
Ben Schwarberg
Music Performance: Music Composition | Class of 2028
Ben Schwarberg, Music Performance: Music Composition at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Contribute to recitals that feature a combination of studio repertoire and original compositions.
  • Individualized curriculum with theory and composition faculty
  • Create new works in the EIU Electronic Music Studios
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Hands-On Experience, Music Performance: Music Composition students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Music Composition helps you develop your own creative voice as a composer. It is a fit if you are a musician who loves creating new music and exploring a wide range of styles. You receive personalized one-on-one instruction from experienced composition and theory faculty while continuing to develop your skills on your primary instrument through private lessons and studio participation.

View in Catalog
$49,236
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

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,…

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

Connect With Us

Shellie Gregorich
Program Contact
music@eiu.edu
2620 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-5946
Shellie Gregorich Message Shellie

Message Shellie

or email music@eiu.edu directly
Brad Decker
Assistant Professor of Music Composition & Technology
bddecker@eiu.edu
0349 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-2242
Brad Decker Message Brad

Message Brad

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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