Admission to the Track
Admission to the honors program in composition is by invitation from the composition faculty after submission of the junior portfolio. The entire composition faculty takes into account not only the student’s current portfolio, but also the student’s previous performance record in MUS 103, MUS 107, MUS 199, previous composition projects, and music theory classes. The composition faculty considers how well the student engages in compositional opportunities offered by the department, such as writing for and working with professional performers. These opportunities are announced early in the academic year and posted on the website. Typically, a faculty member who has worked closely with a student in these activities steps forward to nominate the student and to serve as a mentor for the final honors project.
Eligibility
A student becomes eligible for graduation with honors by meeting the minimum GPA and course requirements established by the College of Letters and Science. To qualify for high or highest honors, students must also complete the Music Department honors program with a GPA of 3.500 or above and write a thesis or submit a portfolio that meets the criteria for high honors or highest honors. Students apply to participate in the department honors program during the latter part of their junior year. Admission to the program is based on GPA, a thesis proposal, examples of previous writing, and the recommendation of a faculty member who is willing to sponsor the student's project. Students who anticipate seeking admission to the honors program are urged to complete at least one offering of MUS 121 or MUS 122 before the end of their junior year. Interested students are urged to consult with faculty in their field early in their junior year.
Senior Honors Portfolio
Students should submit one or multiple pieces of approximately 10–13 minutes of original compositions of varied instrumentation and advanced scope. Notifications go out following submission of the Junior portfolio. Completion of honors track course requirements are detailed in the Course catalogue. You must have received a pass on the Junior Portfolio and been invited for admission into the honors track in order to submit your Senior Honors Portfolio.