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COMPOSITION GUIDELINES

COMPOSITION AREA GUIDELINES
(rev. November 20, 2025)

 

I. LESSONS, SEMINAR, AND JURY

Weekly Applied Lessons. Students enrolled in composition courses will meet privately once per week with their teacher. These sessions will not only include a discussion and critique the the student’s musical composition projects, but also the study of contemporary music styles and scores, documented listening journals, and relevant readings as assigned. Ear training and conducting challenges of contemporary music will also be considered.

Seminar. A formal seminar session will be held weekly and all composition majors are expected to attend; composition faculty will facilitate these sessions. These classes provide an opportunity to discuss a variety of pertinent topics, listen and critique creative works of colleagues, and inform the class of upcoming performances. Seminar meeting times will be determined each semester, and meeting times will be tied to Applied Lessons grading. 

Composition Jury. All composition majors are required to submit creative works to a Jury panel for the final exam at the end of each semester. This Jury is comprised of the theory/composition teachers and additional evaluators totaling 3 to 4. The review by the committee provides students with additional critiques of their compositions and offers helpful comments to the teacher for the final semester grade. Students who have given a recital of their compositions during the current semester are exempt from this Jury requirement.

Electronic Music Applied Lesson. The A-State Electronic Music Studio is located in the Fine Arts Center, room 207. This lab offers the students the means of researching the parameters of music, such as texture, timbre, density, and spatialization, as the primary building blocks for a musical composition. At least one semester of dedicated study of electronic music is suggested, as the development of skills in this alternative method to complement the conventional process is required of all composition major (in alignment with NASM standards). Furthermore, the Senior Recital must include a mixture of acoustic works and at least one electronic piece composed in the A-State Electronic Music Studio.

 

II. REQUIRED RECITALS

Recital Production should include the following eight components:

    1. Full Score and Individual Parts Production - Scores and parts should be prepared well in advance of the performance and should be at publication standard.
    2. Recital Scheduling - The student will work with their primary composition teacher to reserve a recital date using the Department of Music’s online scheduling resources.
    3. Acquiring Performers/A-State Composers-Performers’ Contract - See the primary composition teacher regarding this contract, which must be delivered and signed by all students involved in the composition performance (e.g. the students’ all applied teachers, the composition student, the composition student’s applied professor).
    4. Rehearsal Scheduling - Consult your teacher in forming a rehearsal schedule that is appropriate for a successful performance. Secure available spaces for rehearsal. Composers must attend every rehearsal, offering direction in interpretive issues. Composes must be open to feedback from performers and be prepared to be collaboratively responsive.
    5. Conducting - in some cases, a conductor is required, although the student composer should always be prepared to conduct if necessary.
    6. Promotion - Prepare flyers, take pictures, additive thought social media, arrange interviews with various media and invites friends and family. A concert program must be submitted to the primary composition teacher a minimum of 3 weeks before the recital for proofing.
    7. Dress Rehearsal - Arrange for assistance with the consideration of stage changes, concert attire, and other necessary logistics.
    8. Recital - All composers should devise, with the assistance of the instructor, spoken comments and program notes that present an artistic statement on the recital program. Consider having a reception or post-recital gathering/celebration for composers and performers.

 

Senior Recital - A Senior Recital is required. This recital should consist of works written during the study of composition at A-State. It should be a full program with significant compositional works staged, with an approximate length of 45 minutes of music presented. Large ensemble works with performances or readings (e.g., band, choir, jazz band, etc.) may be considered for fulfilling a portion of the required Senior Recital.

Semester Composition Recitals - These programs provide students with an opportunity to hear their works performed during a formal recital. Composition majors who are not preparing a Senior Recital must participate in these programs. Works for these recitals can be from current or prior semesters. The composition faculty will set dates for these recitals in advance and announce them in Seminar at the start of each semester.

Tuesday Morning Recitals - These events provide an additional opportunity for composers to present their work, and students should aim to have at least 1 work performed on a TMR every semester. 

 

III. TOPICS CONCERNING REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE

Rehearsals. All rehearsals must be arranged by the composition student. Consult the Scheduling Calendar under Important Links on the Music Website to determine the availability of specific rooms for rehearsals. In consultation with the performers, establish a schedule and reserve a room using the Event Scheduling Form online. When first contacting a performer for collaboration, the composer must establish a clear delivery date for performance materials, a rehearsal schedule and performance date, and any other pertinent information, in WRITTEN form to each performer, with the teacher included in all relevant email chains.

Score Production. The composition student must make sure that pieces are complete in readable form and delivered to the performers in due time, a minimum of 1 month before the performance. Pieces of varying difficulty should be carefully considered for ample time resulting in optimum performance. Performers should receive their individual part, as well as a full score for reference. When possible, a MIDI rendering of the work should also be provided to the performers to expedite the learning process.

Percussion Equipment. Make arrangements for the use of ALL percussion equipment with the percussion faculty. Composition students will want to consult with the teacher regarding intentions to use certain equipment prior to actually writing the music. This will help to avoid problems with access or availably of necessary percussion equipment.

Prepared Piano. Discuss plans for a prepared piano piece with the Director of keyboard Studies at A-State before beginning such a project. Be specific as to what would be done to the piano; if an agreement is reached, then composition may commence. Please note that composers are prohibited from placing marbles or  other loose objects inside the piano.

Professional Courtesy. Any composition major who treats a performer in an unprofessional manner will be reprimanded by the composition faculty. All performers should be treated with the utmost respect. Should problems arise during the rehearsal of a piece, the composition student should report directly to the composition teacher. These problems include lateness, lack of practice, personality conflicts, and other unfortunate occurrences that disrupt the rehearsal process. It is important that a student allow the composition teacher to mediate any problems concerning performers with the applied teacher if necessary.

 

IV. OTHER TOPICS

Composition Teachers. Composition students will retain a primary teacher for the duration of their program of study in music. While the student will retain this primary teacher in their program, they are also encouraged to take a semester with one of the other composition faculty to foster diverse perspectives. This semester will be decided in advance through discussion between the student and teachers. N.B.–the primary composition teacher does not replace the formal advisor that is assigned to students.

Recital Attendance. Composition students are expected to support student peers and composition faulty by attending all A-State performances of their works. Composition students should also attend programs involving faculty of students who have assisted in performance of their own works. Attendance at these recitals will be tied to part of the Applied Lessons grading rubric.

CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) Lab. The CAI Lab is available for use by A-state student composers. The lab is equipped with music notation software installed on every computer. The use of music notation software (MuseScore or Dorico) is required for all students enrolled in composition.

Composition Message Board. The Composition Message Board is located in front of room 206 in the Fine Arts Center. Students should check regularly for notices of recitals, performance, possibilities, and competitions. All composition students are strongly encouraged to have their music played off-campus, and to attend new music performances in the area.

Calls for Scores. Students are encouraged to frequently check the following websites for Calls for Scores: The Composer’s Site and American Composers Forum. Both of these websites provide an extensive and continuously updated list of opportunities to submit music for performance at festivals, conferences, workshops, and more. 

Online Portfolio. Over the course of study, students should develop an online portfolio of their work. This should include recordings of performances at a minimum, and can take the form of a website or other social media presence.

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