Music composition
Bachelor of Music
Compose your future in music
As a student in this program, you’ll work toward the highest level of achievement in music composition while also developing strong performance skills on at least one instrument or voice. Your studies will culminate in a senior composition recital. Most students who complete this degree go on to pursue master’s-level work, either at University of Idaho or other institutions. Admission to the music composition program requires an audition on your primary instrument or voice.
Designed for aspiring professional performers, composers and music educators, this program offers a solid foundation for either a terminal professional career or doctoral study. You’ll study with distinguished faculty — including soloists, chamber and orchestral musicians, conductors, composers and experienced teachers — and can focus your coursework on composition.
Note: You must audition for admission into this program.
Learn more about the Lionel Hampton School of Music audition process.
Overview
Write, compose and perform
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Love to play, perform or create music
- Have prior training in an instrument or voice
- Want to combine music with another major
- Have an artistic personality
- Are disciplined and hardworking
Career outcomes
Current job openings
317 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Teach as an undergraduate teaching assistant in music theory, aural skills, music history and applied instruction.
- Teach and develop your pedagogy skills through our Preparatory Division, which offers exceptional pre-college music instruction to the community.
- Perform in master classes with renowned musicians, including artists from the Auditorium Chamber Music Series, a series that presents some of the world's finest chamber ensembles on campus.
- Perform with one of our 20-plus large and small ensembles.
- Participate as a performer, listener, intern or volunteer in the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, a four-day event which draws hundreds of top jazz artists and spectators from around the world to University of Idaho each year.
Internships
- Disney All-American College Band
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Dynamix Academy of Music and Dance (Shanghai)
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
School of Music Internships include arts management, choral administration, jazz festival audio technician, jazz festival site management and production management.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September, and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.