Composition
We don’t follow the future of music. We compose it.
Program Highlights
- Frequent readings and performances by large ensembles, chamber groups, and soloists
- Cross-disciplinary collaborations with theatre, film, gaming, and visual art
- Exclusive access to Alinea (technology lab) and CompLab (publishing & production)
Our mission is to forge cultural leaders: rooted in musical knowledge, pushed by devoted, grit-building mentorship into impossible ideas, bolder choices, music that is their’s to give. Not just to write music, but to change it. Curiosity is practiced. Failure is rehearsed. Risk is performed. Every day begins a new line of thought. No one composes alone, and no one leaves making music that already exists.
Degrees
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Composition
Available for undergraduate students.
The objective of the Bachelor of Music (BM) Composition degree program at Baylor University is to guide young composers in developing their unique voice and grow to compose out of educated intentionality.
- Reference the BM in Composition Degree Plan Checklist for course requirements before consulting the BM & BME Course Distribution List
Master of Music (MM) in Composition
Available for graduate students.
The Master of Music (MM) in Composition is designed to help emerging composers refine their individual voice while either deepening their focus in a specific compositional area or broadening their versatility across styles and mediums — all with the goal of preparing them for successful careers in the compositional field of their choice.
Our Unique Composition Studio
At Baylor, composition students develop their unique voice in a collaborative, performance-rich environment. With training in creativity, theory, improvisation, orchestration, musicology, conducting, electronic music, and more—plus access to cutting-edge labs and cross-disciplinary opportunities—our composers graduate as versatile, creative artists.
The Composition Studio at Baylor is a supportive, collaborative environment where students encourage one another to take creative risks and explore new compositional possibilities. Regular studio activities include reading each other’s works, group improvisation, and constructive peer feedback sessions.
Cutting-Edge Resources
Composition students have exclusive access to:
- Alinea – our experimental technology lab designed specifically for composers
- CompLab – a dedicated space for printing, publishing, and project preparation
Performance & Reading Opportunities
We offer multiple pathways for students to regularly hear their work performed, including:
- Student-driven programming, such as:
- Colleague recitals
- Instrumental hour concerts
- Studio classes
- Chamber music performances
- Large Ensemble Composition Competition, organized annually by composition faculty:
- Top three works are read by a large ensemble
- Winning piece is performed
- Featured ensemble rotates each year (choir, orchestra, or wind ensemble)
- Composer Lab:
- Every participating student has a solo work read by a Baylor faculty performer (applied professor)
Through these opportunities and a strong sense of community, Baylor composers graduate with the confidence, versatility, and experience needed to succeed in a variety of professional compositional paths.