B.M. in Music Composition
Overview
The music composition degree at Biola's Conservatory of the Performing Arts will give you opportunities to compose concert and film music, learn valuable skills in music business and technology, and explore what it means to be a composer committed to Christ.
In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s music composition program offers several key advantages:
- Biola University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music
- Highly experienced and dedicated faculty
- Strong academic preparation for graduate school
- State of the art composition studio
- Numerous opportunities for original works to be performed and recorded
- Close proximity to Los Angeles
- Competitions and National Conferences such as PERC, CFAMC
- Opportunities to collaborate on student film projects with Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts, the #1 Christian film school
- Special scholarship awards
- Small, close-knit community of Christian believers
Concentrations
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Courses
What will I study as a music composition major?
Each year you will write in a wide variety of styles while studying privately with some of the finest composers in the Los Angeles area. Annual concerts feature the works of Conservatory composition students while additional competitions provide feedback from Conservatory and guest judges. Composition students also partner with Biola's Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts, gaining valuable experience in scoring for film, video games and more. A large and talented studio of composition majors will give you a community to thrive in, and Biola's proximity to Los Angeles, one of the artistic centers of the world, puts you in just the right location to experience the music industry firsthand.
Some of your courses include:
Orchestration (MUSC 342)
A study of orchestral instruments with emphasis on a working knowledge of ranges and idiomatic qualities/capacities of each. Included are numerous scoring projects. Grade Mode: A.
Music Technology and Production (MUSC 347)
Music Cultures of the World (MUSC 410)
An introductory study of the interrelationships between music and culture through the examination of the music of varying cultures. Basic elements of music as they are found in world cultures will be studied. Grade Mode: A.
Bible and Theology Coursework
As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.
Career Outlook and Preparation
What can you do with a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition?
Whether it's writing music for the big screen, composing music for the world's great concert halls, or teaching composition and theory at the university level, our graduates are impacting the world for Jesus Christ in professions such as:
- Composer
- Copyist
- Film score writer
- Music arranger
- Film music orchestrator
- Principal accompanist
- Professor of composition
In addition, many composition students pursue graduate studies, while others move directly into the music industry. Biola music composition graduates have become recognizable masters in their artistry. Highlights include:
- Grammy Award Winning Performing Artist
- Winner of The ASCAP Foundation Max Dreyfus Scholarship
- Film Composer and Orchestrator for Warner Bros. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- ASCAP Composer to Watch
- Nomination for the Best Original Score: Biola Film Festival and Southeastern 180 Film Festival
- Featured Solo Violinist Seattle Pacific University Jazz Ensemble
- Assistant to Academy & Emmy Award Winner, Todd Boekelheide
- Graduate study at prestigious schools such as New York University, European American Musical Alliance in Paris, University of Southern California, Eastman School of Music, and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
3% job growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for music directors and composers is projected to be as fast as average between 2023 and 2033.
BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.
My time at Biola prepared me for life as a young composer in more ways than one. My mentors gave me priceless guidance, both artistic and practical, in succeeding as a professional musician. I know I can approach any new project, commission, or collaboration with confidence because of what I learned at the Biola Conservatory.
Composition (Oboe), B.M. '11
While the academic training here at Biola is the primary focus, practical business and interpersonal relationship training is paramount for success in the “real world.” The staff and faculty here have provided mentorship and biblical guidance in addition to knowledge of theory and composition that has developed my character as well as my craft. Without this, I would be simply a determined, but misguided, young mind, lost in pipe dreams.
Music Composition, B.M. '19
Biola gave me many vital life skills that transferred over into my career. Biola also directly prepared me for grad school at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The mentors and teachers I met at Biola pushed me toward good and challenging things in my life. My education at Biola taught me to think for myself, try hard at what I’m good at, and to go through the doors that God opens for me.
Music Composition, B.M. '16
My experiences at Biola - especially those with applied faculty - helped me solidify the connection and intersection that is present between my craft as a musician, and my identity as a child of God. As I return to join the applied voice faculty, I hope that I can help my students identify the same crucial intersection that has informed my own musical preparation and performance.
Composition (Voice), B.M. '13
Everywhere you go, you wear your faith. When you have the Holy Spirit, when you have that core, it doesn’t falter. No matter what major, what classes you’re in or what you’re studying, soak it up. It’s what shapes you... Soak up the serenity, those peaceful places on campus. Once you leave, you have to be a lot more intentional.
Composition (Keyboard and Voice), B.M. '05
Admissions
Admissions Process
Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.
Program-Specific Admissions Requirements
Students interested in majoring in B.M. in Music Composition are required to complete a Conservatory application and audition.
Schedule a Visit
Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Attaining a degree from Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.
