McGill.CA / Music / Programs / Composition; D.Mus.

Requirements and Courses

Placement Exams

All students beginning a D.Mus. in Composition are required to take placement examinations in order to determine that their academic preparation in Music in sufficient.

Requirements and Courses

A minimum of two years' residence is required beyond the M.Mus. in Composition, or its equivalent.

The D.Mus. in Music; Composition offers private instruction with some of Canada’s most accomplished composers as well as studies in different compositional methods and technologies.

Students admitted to the D.Mus. Music; Composition program who have a master’s degree other than the M.Mus. in Music; Composition from McGill University, may be required to successfully complete one or more undergraduate course(s) before completion of the doctoral program.

Thesis

The thesis is a musical composition of major dimensions together with a written analysis of the work. The thesis must be defended in an oral examination.

Required Courses (12 credits)

MUCO 710 General Examinations
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

MUGS 701 Comprehensive Examinations
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

12 credits (two years) of:

MUCO 722D1 Doctoral Composition Tutorial 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

MUCO 722D2 Doctoral Composition Tutorial 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Complementary Courses (12 credits)

12 credits of seminars at the 600 level or higher, approved by the Schulich School of Music.

Composition Performance

The candidate must present a concert of his/her compositions. With the permission of the Composition Area Committee, the compositions may be presented as parts of two or three concerts, or as a list of national and international performances since the student began his/her residency.

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