Additional Admission Requirements for Composition Concentration
We welcome students interested in majoring in music composition to apply for acceptance to the degree program. Note that for the undergraduate degree in composition, applicants must audition on voice or an instrument and be accepted as a music major before you can be accepted into the composition degree program. Click on the link below for information about applying to the Department of Music and auditioning.
Additional Admission Requirements for the Composition Concentration
In order to assess your background and better understand your compositional goals we need for you to submit the following materials in addition to the Towson University application and Department of Music application.
Portfolio
A selection of your work (portfolio) that provides a profile of the quality and variety
of your compositional and/or arranging experience. The portfolio should include an
assortment of your notated works that you feel represent you well, and should be presented
with clear music manuscript or computer notation. Each score should be printed and
bound.
If available, submit recordings of your selected works. All recordings should be on
a single CD or DVD with your name and pieces clearly labeled.
A written statement (2 page maximum) regarding your musical background and goals in
composition. This should include a description of your prior compositional experience,
a description of your compositional influences, and general goals for your study of
composition. Include a paragraph about what it is about Towson's composition program
that has attracted you. Indicate whether you are interested in our composition or
jazz/commercial composition degree. Also indicate what instrument(s) or voice that
you are currently studying.
Review Process
The composition faculty will review your portfolio and other application materials
and then schedule a brief interview with you. During the interview we will ask you
to discuss aspects of your experience and goals and we will offer answers to any questions
that you might have about our program at Towson University. The interviews typically
take place in mid December for portfolios received on November 14, 2023 and in January
through March for portfolios received on December 21, 2023. Interviews can be scheduled
during audition days.
Based on the application materials, the portfolio review, and the interview, the composition
faculty will notify you regarding your acceptance status.
Deadlines for receipt of all items:
December 21, 2023 to be considered for entry in the fall semester.
November 14, 2023 to be considered for mid-year entry in the spring semester.
Please submit your complete package of materials to:
Professor William Kleinsasser
Department of Music
Towson University
8000 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21252
410-704-2817
wkleinsasser AT_TOWSON
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Prof. Kleinsasser.