Performer/Composer Program
Upper-Level BFA, MFA

The Performer/Composer Program offers a unique curriculum that allows advanced students to fully immerse themselves in creative practice—specifically, the merging and integration of composition and performance. Students in this program are high-level practitioners in composition and expert performers on their individual instruments. As such, they are expected to explore new ways of fusing the two areas.

The curriculum for this program assumes that performing and composing are integral parts of each student’s unique work, but does not prescribe any particular style or emphasis or body of literature. At the graduate level, the curriculum provides comprehensive training in cutting-edge performance and composition techniques. It also includes studies that link performance/composition with practices outside of music.

Performer/Composer Specialization in

African American Improvisational Music

MFA level only

Students in this specialization are trained to be creative performers who can approach music- and artmaking from a variety of angles and contexts, including musical, theoretical, historical, sociological, philosophical and interdisciplinary perspectives. Students enjoy immersive experiences in improvisation, composition, performance and collaboration—all of which combine to lay the foundation for new and holistic work. Students are especially encouraged to explore and research how innovative improvised music is connected with experimental practices in dance, theatre, literature and film.

Coursework includes intensive private lessons, creative music and contemporary composition and analysis, advanced systemic improvisation, and African American music literature. This specialization also features work with prominent visiting artists.