College of Fine Arts

Music Composition

13

Graduate Programs

Ranging across all musical disciplines.

4

Graduate Certificates

To augment and focus your degree.

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Martina Vasil

Dr. Martina Vasil

Director of Graduate Studies

Associate Professor

College of Fine Arts

105 Fine Arts Building

Lexington KY 40506

Program website

  • MA

The five full-time faculty members of UK theory & composition are engaged in active creation and research with distinction in popular music studies, pedagogy, Schenkerian studies, 19th-century music, and commissioned compositions. Our program is small enough to enable extensive direct contact with faculty, and our graduates find themselves well-prepared for their careers or further study. The program currently focuses on traditional composition, but electro-acoustic music is offered as an option and may at some point be offered as a separate program. The University of Kentucky School of Music is internationally recognized for excellence in performance, music education and research in music. For over 100 years, the School has helped musicians prepare for careers as performers, educators, researchers, and a wide array of leadership positions both in and outside of the field of music. More than 400 students benefit from world-class teaching and the broad academic offerings of a major university. Students have abundant opportunities to participate in prestigious ensembles – from orchestras to choirs to the Wildcat Marching Band – that perform throughout the U.S. and the world.

Composition- M.M.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

At least 50% of all course credits must be at the 600-level or above

Prerequisite: Submission of three original compositions (as described in admission requirements).

  • Advanced Composition
  • Orchestration
  • Music History and Literature
  • Theory
  • Directed Electives
  • Thesis Composition 

Total (30)

Application Requirements

The applicant for the master's degree is expected to have earned an appropriate undergraduate degree and successfully interview with the composition faculty during the semester prior to admission.

  1. CV.  Should include:
    • Name, address, email, and phone number
    • Education (institutions, degrees, dates, majors)
    • Work Experiences (locations, dates, teaching, and other professional experiences)
    • Presentations/Recitals/Publications/Clinics (include locations and dates). Include a list on a separate page, if you can, of papers you have written, whether published or unpublished.
  2. Personal Statement
    • ​Please submit a one-page statement (at least 150 words, 3 paragraphs suggested) expressing your motivation for seeking this degree from the University of Kentucky and how this degree fits into your goals for the future.
  3. Writing Sample
    1. ​​​​​At least one music paper of an analytical nature is required (two samples preferred). An undergraduate term paper is acceptable. The topic of the paper should deal with some aspect of form, harmony, or other organizational aspects of a piece of music. The paper should be at least 5 pages in length, 12-point font (Times or Times New Roman preferred), and should include bibliographical and footnote or endnote citations. We are interested in seeing your very best work.
  4. Audition and exam request form
  5. Three letters of recommendation

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

Spring: November 30

Summer: November 30  (Contact DGS if you are applying for summer only)

Fall: April 3

The deadline for applications for international students for the fall term is February 1

Composition - D.M.A.

  • DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The minimum course requirements for all DMA students beyond the master's degree are as follows:

  • MUS 618 RESEARCH METHODS
  • Music History and Literature
  • Performance Major
  • Minor (optional)

Total (30-39)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The applicant for the D.M.A. degree is expected to have earned appropriate undergraduate and master's degrees and successfully audition for the faculty.

  1. CV.  Should include:
    • Name, address, email, and phone number
    • Education (institutions, degrees, dates, majors)
    • Work Experiences (locations, dates, teaching, and other professional experiences)
    • Presentations/Recitals/Publications/Clinics (include locations and dates). Include a list on a separate page, if you can, of papers you have written, whether published or unpublished.
  2. Personal Statement
    • ​Please submit a one-page statement (at least 150 words, 3 paragraphs suggested) expressing your motivation for seeking this degree from the University of Kentucky and how this degree fits into your goals for the future.
  3. Writing Sample
    1. ​​​​​At least one music paper of an analytical nature is required (two samples preferred). An undergraduate term paper is acceptable. The topic of the paper should deal with some aspect of form, harmony, or other organizational aspects of a piece of music. The paper should be at least 5 pages in length, 12-point font (Times or Times New Roman preferred), and should include bibliographical and footnote or endnote citations. We are interested in seeing your very best work.
  4. Audition and exam request form
  5. Three letters of recommendation

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Application Deadlines

​Spring: November 30

Summer: November 30 (Contact DGS if you are applying for summer only)

Fall: April 3

The deadline for applications for international students for the fall term is February 1

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.


Contact

Martina Vasil

Dr. Martina Vasil

Director of Graduate Studies

Associate Professor

College of Fine Arts

105 Fine Arts Building

Lexington KY 40506