From concept to concert — make your music heard.
The Theory/Composition concentration prepares you to create original music, think critically about how music works, and build a portfolio that opens doors to professional opportunities and graduate study.
Who Should Apply
This program is ideal for creative musicians—on any band or orchestral instrument, piano, voice, or guitar—who want to compose, arrange, and analyze music at a high level.
Why Study Theory/Composition at Â鶹ҹÊÐ?
- Composer-first training through guided mentorship, readings, and recordings that help you turn ideas into finished works.
- Scholarly depth that strengthens analysis and orchestration to support your creative decisions.
- Some Theory/Composition students have works published prior to graduation, reinforcing the industry readiness supported by our training.
- Accelerated BM/MM track is available as an option for high-performing students.
What You’ll Study
- Music theory and analysis
- Composition and orchestration
- Music history and literature
- Applied music and ensembles
- Keyboard musicianship
All Theory/Composition students complete at least 45 hours of upper-level coursework in music and present a final recital or composition portfolio demonstrating their creative and analytical achievements.
For advanced students, an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) option allows you to begin graduate-level work in composition or theory during your senior year.
Performance & Portfolio Opportunities
- Readings and performances by student and faculty ensembles
- Studio classes, composer forums, and recording sessions
- Regular concerts and recital opportunities to showcase new music
Careers & Next Steps
This concentration typically prepares you for a career as a composer and positions you for graduate study leading to teaching and research in academia.
Auditions & Scholarships
An audition is required for admission and scholarship consideration.
Schedule Your Audition » Scholarship & Financial Aid »
Questions?
Contact the Music Theory/Composition Coordinator, Dr. Wesley Bradford at wesley.bradford@louisiana.edu.