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Master of Music - Composition

California State University - Northridge

USA,California

0 Shortlist

24 Months

Duration

CAD 16,542/year

Tuition Fee

CAD 70

Application Fee

Aug 2025

Apply Date

USA, California

Type: University

Location Type: Semi-Urban

Founded: 1972

Total Students: 38,310 +

Campus Detail

Main Campus Address

18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330, United States

Overview
Key Facts
Fees & Funding
Admission Requirements
Scholarships
Student Visa
Work Permit

Master of Music - Composition

Program Overview

Receive intense, specialized training and define who you are as a musician in one of the nation's most competitive programs.

Why Earn a M.M. in Music?

A master's in music gives you the opportunity to develop professional competence as a musician. Elevate your techniques and approach your work with rigor and sophistication. Immerse yourself in music history, theory and pedagogy. Grow with the individual mentorship of seasoned musicians. Expand your repertoire and take your performances to new heights.

Why Study Music at CSUN?

Nationally Recognized

Members of our faculty hold prestigious careers in their own right and our alumni have reached professional success in academia and the music industry. Our ensembles routinely tour and compete nationally, bringing a high level of recognition to our program.

Professional-level Facilities

Our campus is home to a variety of performance spaces fit for symphonies and orchestras. The Soraya boasts a 1,600-seat performance hall that our ensembles play in each year. The hall bring in international guest artists who frequently hold master classes for our students. The 500-seat Plaza del Sol is also home to many of our ensemble performances. Finally, the Cypress Recital Hall is the home for over 150 student and faculty recitals every year!

Performance Opportunities

Perform extensively on campus and on tour with our ensembles. Collaborate with guest artists who frequently visit our campus because of our Los Angeles location. Compete in our annual concerto/aria competition in order to perform with our symphony orchestra.

Financial Support

We offer scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 for many incoming and continuing students. Additionally, students find part-time employment by supervising the computer lab or teaching basic music courses.

What You'll Learn

As a graduate student, CSUN gives you the opportunity to truly focus in your specific area of interest. You will develop a stronger foundation in music history and analysis while also being exposed to the amazing diversity that our department and the world of music has to offer.

Whether you choose to focus on composition, conducting, performance or collaborative piano performance, you will finish your studies with a culminating experience. This includes a thesis, performance or graduate project and a comprehensive oral exam.

Composition

Further your artistry and find new composing approaches. Learn research techniques and analytical skills related to music expertise. Take courses in the musical developments of specific time periods. Deepen your understanding of composition, orchestration, conducting, and pedagogy.

Detailed Program Facts

Program Level

Master's Degree

Application Processing Days

21 Days

Program Intensity

Full-Time

Duration of Program

24 Months

Portfolio Required

Yes

Program Intakes

Intake Month/Year		Intake Status
aug 2025		Open

Application Fee

Application Fee: CAD 70

Tuition Fee

CAD 16,542 per year

*Note: The fee is approximate and is subject to change

Living Cost in California State University - Northridge

CAD 18,304 per year

*Note: The fee is approximate and is subject to change

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check program website for more information about funding options.

English Test Requirements

IELTS
- Minimum Overall Score - 6.5
TOEFL
- Minimum Overall Score - 80
PTE
- Minimum Overall Score - 58.0
DUOLINGO
- Minimum Overall Score - 105.0

Minimum Level of Education Required: To be accepted into this program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, including preparation equivalent to the undergraduate Music major.

Minimum CGPA Required: 65.00 %

Additional Information

Scholarships

Associated Students International Matador Scholarship:

Award amount: $3,000
Eligibility: Continuing international students (F-1 status) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.5 (graduate)
Requirements: Academic ability, financial need, and promotion of international student involvement

Associated Students Dianne F. Harrison Award:

Award amount: $500
Eligibility: Continuing international students (F-1 status) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.5 (graduate)
Requirements: Academic achievements, future educational and career goals, and student involvement

Dianne F. Harrison Leadership Award:

Award amount: $8,000
Eligibility: Continuing CSUN undergraduate students who entered as freshmen in Fall 2023 and completed at least 30 units
Requirements: Leadership involvement, academic achievements, and campus involvement

MSP Tanni Block Memorial LGBTQIA+ Scholarship:

Award amount: $1,250
Eligibility: Continuing undergraduate or graduate students (including international students) with a minimum GPA of 2.0
Requirements: Advocacy and involvement with LGBTQIA+ communities, leadership experience, and commitment to inclusivity

Alumni Higher Education Program:

Award amount: $1,000
Eligibility: CSUN alumni pursuing graduate education at CSUN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.5 (graduate)
Requirements: Academic achievements, personal statement, and letter of recommendation

International Graduate Student Program:

Award amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Continuing international graduate students (F-1 status)
Requirements: Academic achievements and graduate student status

Work Permit

PGWP

Optional Practical Training or OPT is a period during which students, who have completed their degrees in the USA, are permitted to work for one year on a student visa by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). OPT allows students to work for up to 3 years and develop real-world skills to survive in the competitive jobs market.

It is temporary employment for a period of 12-months that is directly related to the major area of study of an F-1 student. Eligible students have the option to apply for OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies and/or after completing their academic studies.

A student can participate in three types of Optional Practical Training (OPT):

Pre-Completion OPT: This is temporary employment provided to F-1 students before completion of their course of study.
Post-Completion OPT: This is temporary employment available to F-1 students after completing their course of study.
24 Month STEM Extension: Students enrolled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses can a 24-month extension after their initial Post-Completion OPT authorization.