Program Overview

The composition program at Webster focuses primarily on contemporary concert music or songwriting. Students are also encouraged to explore many other musical styles and technologies such as jazz, electronic, computer and MIDI applications. Faculty composers work directly with composition majors. Numerous opportunities exist for the performance of students' work, including the Webster New Music Ensemble, Student Songwriter Showcase, and Wet Ink project.

Students in this major complete the required core, performance, composition and supportive courses, and complete one of the two emphasis areas.

The songwriting emphasis is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career as a composer, author and performer of original songs. In both private applied study and the classroom setting, students in the songwriter track refine their skills as songwriters/composers, vocalists, lyricists and accompanists (normally on piano and/or guitar). Extensive applied instruction on primary and secondary instruments is coupled with traditional, jazz and commercial music theory and history. Students in this program present a final concert of original songs and a fully-produced compact disc. 

Learning Outcomes
Students with the bachelor of music in composition with an emphasis in songwriting will:

• Conceptualize, develop and complete original compositions for voice and at least one instrument utilizing melodic, harmonic, rhythmic and textural techniques/resources and lyrics gained from study and experimentation.
• Notate compositions clearly and accurately, utilizing music publishing software to produce professional-quality scores and parts suitable for performance.
• Demonstrate the acquisition of skills that enhance the compositional process, including conducting, instrumental or vocal performance and musicianship.
• Produce high-quality recordings of their songs through the application of appropriate recording technology and techniques.