Music Composition (M.M.)

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Get started on your Music Composition (M.M.) application here:

Current year-2025 Application Next Year-2026 Application

Application Deadlines:

Start Term:Classes Begin:Domestic Deadline:International Deadline:
SpringJanuary December 1October 1
FallSeptemberJuly 1May 1

 

*Deadlines are subject to change. Deadline extensions may be granted on a case by case. Please contact Graduate Admissions for more information gradadmissions@njcu.edu 

 

Music Composition (M.M.)

Admission requirements:

  • A completed graduate application form, including a $55 non-refundable application fee
  • A 250-500 word essay discussing your goals and objectives for pursuing admission to the degree program to which you are applying
  • Official transcripts from all previous U.S. colleges attended or official NACES course-by-course evaluation of any foreign transcripts*
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Professional Resume or CV
  • Official documentation of English Language Proficiency  (TOEFL/IELTS) if applicable
  • Portfolio
    • Several original compositions, which may include at least one work in each of the following categories
      • A composition for a large ensemble (orchestra, symphonic band, or chorus)
      • A composition for a small Ensemble (vocal with keyboard or instrumental accompaniment, a cappella choir, or a chamber ensemble)
      • A composition for a solo instrument or voice (with or without accompaniment)
    • At least three of the compositions must be of sufficient duration to demonstrate skill in handling a fully developed structure.
    • Two copies of a CD/MP3/.wav
    • All compositions that use (a) graphic or non-standard notation or (b) aleatoric elements or (c) taped/electronic sounds, must be accompanied by CD recordings.
    • Portfolio must be directly sent to the Graduate Coordinator of Music Dance and Theatre Department. Please find Coordinators for each track below:
Gilles Bernard (Instrumental/Brass)gbernard@njcu.edu
Desamparados Fabra Crespo (Composition)dfabracre@njcu.edu
Greg Giannascoli (instrumental/Percussion)greggiannascoli@yahoo.com
Celil Kaya (Instrumental/Guitar)ckaya@njcu.edu
Min Kim (Instrumental/Piano)mkim@njcu.edu
Martha Mooke (Instrumental/Strings)mmooke@njcu.edu  
Marc Dalio (Vocal)mdalio@njcu.edu 

Pre-requisites:

  • An undergraduate degree with a major in music, or in exceptional cases, a proven equivalency in music theory, music history, and repertory.
  • Proficiency in performance on a major instruments or voice.

*Note: NJCU does not evaluate international transcripts. In lieu of a transcript, applicants with a non-U.S. degree need to submit a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES Accredited Member that includes U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency information for their coursework.

 

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We encourage you to contact graduate admissions with questions about our graduate programs, to get answers to your graduate application questions, or to schedule a visit to NJCU.

Hepburn Hall, Room 206
Phone: 201-200-3409
Email: gradadmissions@njcu.edu

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