Program Introduction
The
University of South Carolina offers three comprehensive degrees in music
composition (B.M., M.M., and D.M.A.). Financial assistance is available
all levels of study. We feel that that the training we offer our B.M.
and M.M. composers can compete with some of the elite programs across
the country. With excellent facilities, state-of-the-art resources in
advanced music technology, and broad instruction in all areas—not
to mention affordable tuition and cost of living—USC has much
to offer aspiring young composers.
Composers
at the University of South Carolina work in an environment dedicated
to compositional and musical excellence, broad academic inquiry, and
the building of strong professional skills. Undergraduate composition
studies begin with a guided composition class that centers on the performance
of specific writing projects and the development of individual work.
Upper-level undergraduate and graduate studies focus on one-to-one private
instruction, as well as the weekly Composition Seminar, which
combines analysis and discussion of music by guest composers, talks
by performers and conductors of new music, open rehearsals, readings
in relevant criticism and theory, and visits by artists from other disciplines.
Composers benefit from the rich musical resources at USC, in addition
to close and frequent collaborations with talented instrumentalists,
singers, and conductors. Students are encouraged to take advantage of
the diverse resources throughout the University, and to collaborate
with artists in fields such as dance, media arts, theater, etc.
Our composition faculty consists of Reginald
Bain, Samuel Douglas, Tayloe Harding, and John Fitz Rogers. Students
profit from frequent visits by noted guest composers. Recent guests
have included Derek Bermel, Martin Bresnick, Paul Lansky, Missy Mazzoli, and
Evan Ziporyn, among many others. Students enjoy frequent opportunities
to hear their music performed and to interact with world-class musicians.
Our Southern Exposure New Music Series, now in its eighth season
under the direction of John Fitz Rogers, regularly performs a wide variety
of new music. Alarm Will Sound, Cornell University’s Ensemble X, the International Contemporary Ensemble, Music from Copland House, So Percussion,
and acclaimed sitar virtuoso Kartik Seshadrihave have all participated
in what has become one of the hallmarks of our program.
At the Master's level, we encourage the application of
talented performers whose background and interest in contemporary music
might lead them to pursue additional, focused composition study in our
two-year M.M. Composition degree plan.
Updated: April 28, 2009 by RB
