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Composition
While all Composition majors are required to perform in a major performing ensemble in their instrumental or vocal area, unique experiences for the Composition major include:
Composers Forum
A key element of the program is the Composers Forum, a weekly meeting of composition students and faculty. Events include student presentations, faculty lectures, and visits by guest composers and performers. The meetings are conducted in an informal manner and cover topics on compositional techniques, career development, and technology. The Forum is an integral part of the composition program and in addition to composition-specific discussions it offers students the chance to interact with professional artists and with each other, develop their oral skills and learn about the practical aspects of a successful professional or academic career (including concert production, preparing for competitions, presenting at festivals and conferences, developing career strategies, etc.).
Reading Session
The Reading session is a collaborative project with a professional ensemble such as the San José Chamber Orchestra. Each year, composition students have their compositions read, critiqued and recorded by the ensemble. From composing the work or excerpt, developing professional looking scores and parts, to interacting with professional musicians, students hone their craft in an encouraging and stimulating environment.
Composition Performance Opportunities
There are numerous opportunities for having works read, performed and recorded. In fact, this is one of the most important aspects of the process: to be able to hear your compositions.
