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Music, Composition Concentration, B.M.

Program Overview

At UNC Charlotte, studies go beyond the Department of Music and into Charlotte’s creative community. With bold ideas and broad connections, our talented faculty, students, and alumni are shaping the civic imagination of this fast-growing city. The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) offers students seven concentrated areas of study. The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) with a concentration in Composition is designed for students who are planning careers as composers of contemporary art music.

Department of Music

Program Contact

Dr. Jennifer Whitaker

Associate Chair, Department of Music

jwhitaker@charlotte.edu

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Want to learn more about UNC Charlotte? Fill out the form for information on the university, application process, events, and more. For specific program questions, contact the program representative listed above.

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Composition at a Glance

Admission to this degree program in the Department of Music requires an entrance audition and is contingent upon acceptance into the University. The curriculum consists of 31 credit hours of General Education; 41 credit hours of music composition and basic musicianship; and 34-40 credit hours of supportive courses in music, including ensemble participation and performance studies. The culminating experience for this degree is a senior composition project. UNC Charlotte is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Delivery
On-Campus
Total Degree Hours
120 Credit Hours
MAJOR COURSES
41 Credit Hours

The Department of Music also offers a B.M. in Music with concentrations in the following areas:

Admissions Details

Admission to degree programs in the Department of Music requires an entrance audition and is contingent upon acceptance into the University. Please visit our Admissions page for information about that process.

Audition Requirements

Explore Music at UNC Charlotte

The Department of Music is one of five creative units in the College of Arts + Architecture, an artistic community that is unique in the Carolinas.

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Visit us on campus!

The best way to discover what makes the college music experience at UNC Charlotte so special is to experience it for yourself! Each semester, join us for our Music Major For A Day event to attend classes, play or sing in ensembles, meet faculty, and have lunch with current students.

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A student playing the cello outside in the city

“My favorite thing about the music department is the community of students and faculty. I feel like I can be myself and at home, knowing that I have a great support system. I also feel so motivated by being surrounded by so many hardworking students who have similar passions to mine.”

Jane Cho
B.A. in Music (applied instrument: Cello), B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Mass Media

Opportunities to Perform

The Department of Music offers numerous opportunities for all university students to participate in bands, choirs, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups. Every semester, students from every major in every college enjoy making new friends and performing great music, all while earning college credit.

Explore Ensembles
  • Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band
  • University Chorale
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • UNC Charlotte Orchestra
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • The Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band
  • Gospel Choir

    Discover other programs of music study

    Register for an In-Person Campus Visit

    Experience the heart of UNC Charlotte with our in-person campus visits. Register for a First-Year Student Info Session and Tour offered daily — an unmissable opportunity to live the Niner life.

    Schedule A Tour

    Explore Official University Catalog

    Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.

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