The instrumental specialization option consists of a concentration in a major instrument and at least two minor instruments within the brass, strings and woodwind areas. Considerable flexibility is permitted within an individual program to meet the special needs of students. The College of Musical Arts offers a graduate degree in music composition. Admission to the programs is by audition.
Majors receive a weekly private lesson and attend a bi-weekly seminar.
Works are regularly performed in Student Composers' Forums. Numerous guest artists visit the campus and present lectures and give private lessons. In 1994-98, we welcomed Samuel Adler to our faculty as Visiting Distinguished Professor. His weekly seminars give our majors the experience of working with one of the nation's finest teachers and composers. This 34-credit program includes seminars in ethnomusicology, Western art music and disciplines outside of music.