Composition, Theory & Technology

As facility with technology is an integral component of being a successful composer or researcher, we do not have majors specifically in music technology, but rather incorporate technology study into our composition and theory degrees. Students interested in technology are encouraged to look at the composition and theory tracks, and consider courses including MUS 1360-Introduction to Music Technology and MUC 4313-Introduction to Electroacoustic Music.

There are two main differences between the DMA and PhD degree, relating to the cognate and capstone project.

Both degrees require a cognate (study in some other area). In the DMA, that cognate will be at least 15 credits (5 classes) and must be in a discipline outside of music. There are a large number of options, based on the interests and desires of the student, including, but not limited to, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Management, Arts in Medicine, and Digital Media. The cognate in the PhD degree will be at least 12 credits, and can come from either outside the music program, or from some other area within the School of Music, such as musicology, performance, or conducting.

The second difference is in the capstone project. The DMA requires a creative project that incorporates some aspect of the cognate study and supporting documentation. The PhD is a research degree, requiring both a dissertation and a final composition project.

We believe that it is important for graduate students to get experience in the classroom, and our graduate students are automatically considered for a teaching assistantship in the area, depending on the area needs and the expertise of the student. Graduate students assist with our aural skills, written theory, music technology, composition, and arranging courses. The stipend for these positions is competitive and includes a tuition waiver and health insurance.

The ample performance and recording opportunities at UF are student-led, with student organizations empowered to invite professional performers and ensembles of their choosing. The slate of guest performers for the 2020-21 academic year includes loadbang, Irvine Arditti, the Bold City Contemporary Ensemble, Unheard-of//Ensemble, Transient Canvas, and Icarus Quartet, among others. Available as well are competitive opportunities for large ensemble readings and performances, which has included the University Symphony Orchestra, UF Bands, Jazz Bands, and New Music Ensemble.

Graduate composers at UF have ample opportunities for their compositions to be performed and recorded. These opportunities are student-led, with student organizations empowered to invite professional performers and ensembles of their choosing. The slate of guest performers for the 2020-21 academic year includes loadbang, Irvine Arditti, the Bold City Contemporary Ensemble, Unheard-of//Ensemble, Transient Canvas, and Icarus Quartet, among others.

Available as well are competitive opportunities for large ensemble readings and performances, which has included the University Symphony Orchestra, UF Bands, Jazz Bands, and New Music Ensemble.

Electroacoustic compositions are featured on the UnBalanced Connection concert series, which provides performance opportunities each semester.

We believe that it is important for graduate students to get experience in the classroom, and our graduate students are automatically considered for a teaching assistantship in the area, depending on the area needs and the expertise of the student. Graduate students assist with our aural skills, written theory, music technology, composition, and arranging courses.

Graduate students in composition are automatically considered for teaching assistantships in the area, which come with a competitive funding package that includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. For complete descriptions of the funding packages available for each specific graduate degree, please see the following links: MM, DMA, PhD.