As a student pursuing the Music — Composition Concentration, BMus at Western Washington University, you will immerse yourself in the art and craft of creating original music. This undergraduate degree is designed for aspiring composers who wish to develop their creative voice and technical proficiency in writing for diverse performance contexts. You will explore fundamental principles of music theory, aural skills, and musicology, while gaining practical experience through composition lessons, electroacoustic music courses, and ensemble participation. This program fosters a deep understanding of musical structure and innovation, preparing you to contribute meaningfully to the contemporary music landscape.
This full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Music program is structured over four years, guiding you through a comprehensive curriculum that includes applied lessons on your primary instrument and participation in major ensembles. You will develop your compositional techniques through dedicated composition lessons, culminating in an upper-division portfolio and a senior project, which could be a thesis or a senior recital. Throughout your studies, you will engage with orchestration, conducting, and potentially electroacoustic music, building a versatile skill set. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for further graduate studies or a career as a composer, educator, or music professional.