Music 51³Ô¹Ïs at Gonzaga University train in an innovative and diverse music theory and musicianship curriculum that sharpens their ears and musical imaginations. They also participate in Creative Music Lab Ensemble (CMLE), a cutting-edge performance group in which members experiment with diverse musical practices, create music collaboratively, compose, and present concerts of new works.
Composition Concentration
Students who want to focus their studies on creating music can take applied composition lessons, and may earn a B.A. Major in Music with a . This program helps each 51³Ô¹Ï develop their craft and individual musical identity while grounding them with the intellectual and humanistic depth of Gonzaga’s liberal arts core.
- Composition 51³Ô¹Ïs gain experience and build their musical portfolios through readings, workshops, and recorded performances of their compositions by professional musicians.
- Orchestration class teaches 51³Ô¹Ïs the craft of composing for different instruments, ensembles, as well as writing for the symphony orchestra.
- Intro to music technology trains 51³Ô¹Ïs in the fundamentals of recording technology and digital audio workstations (DAWS).
- Composition majors at Gonzaga create music in a variety of styles and genres, including contemporary concert music, musical theater, film-scoring, and song-writing.
WHY MUSIC COMPOSITION AT GONZAGA?
Performance opportunities: Composition 51³Ô¹Ïs see their works performed publicly, both at Gonzaga’s state-of-the-art Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, and throughout the region.
Flexibility: Many 51³Ô¹Ïs are able to maintain a second major or minor outside of the music program.
Network opportunities: Students have access to a strong network of alumni and industry professionals.
Future pathways: Gonzaga composition 51³Ô¹Ïs have gone on to prominent graduate composition programs, including the University of Oregon and The University of Arizona, as well as professional careers as composers, teachers, and musicians.
To inquire about our composition and theory programs at Gonzaga University, please contact Dr. Michael Kropf by email.