Academic Accelerator - Bachelor of Music - Music Composition

At the Conservatory, we believe a student composer learns most by composing.  For four years, music composition students spend extensive time studying composition under the guidance of faculty composers, writing works for a variety of ensembles, studying the compositional techniques of their own time, and working to develop their own compositional voice. During their four years at Pacific, students write music for solo instrument, duos, trios, mixed and/or homogeneous ensembles, voice, chorus, percussion, computer, and larger musical forces. They study music from western and non-western sources - old and new, vocal and instrumental, composed and improvised, acoustic and technological. They learn to use the tools of new technology as creative resources, in the studio and on the stage. Whether at the piano or at the computer, compositional tools are always taught as a means for furthering the creative act.

The learning process for a young composer is only complete once they hear their work in a public concert. A unique relationship exists here at Pacific between the composition department and the chamber music performance program. Student compositions are performed each term in Composers Club concerts by students from the Chamber Ensemble class thus guaranteeing this important stage in the compositional process. As students progress to larger works, readings and performances can be arranged with the conductors of the orchestra, band, or choral ensembles. In their senior year student composers write a work for large ensemble forces (orchestra, band, chorus with ensemble, opera, music and film, etc). This is then presented on their senior recital along with works from previous years.