Oct 18, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2024-2025 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2024-2025

Music, Composition Concentration, B.M.


The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) with a Concentration in Composition is designed for students who are planning careers as composers of contemporary art music. 

All program-level Admissions and Progression Requirements are in addition to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Admission Requirements .

Admission Requirements


Freshmen and Transfers

  • See University Admission Requirements   
  • Minimum GPA:  n/a
  • Transferable Credit Hours:  Determined by UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Admissions.
  • Declaration of Major: A formal audition is required for acceptance to the Music major (see the Music Department “Admissions” website for audition processes and dates). Students are first admitted as Pre-Music.  If the student is approved for acceptance after the audition, their major is changed to Music, and they may proceed with major coursework.

Currently Enrolled Students

  • A formal audition is required for acceptance to the Music major. Students already enrolled at UNC Charlotte access the audition information on the Music Department “Admissions” website and follow the current student instructions for securing their audition. If the student is approved for acceptance after the audition, their major is changed to Music, and they may proceed with major coursework. Students must indicate Music Education at the time of audition to avoid a delayed graduation date.

Degree Requirements


The curriculum consists of 31 credit hours of General Education; 41 credit hours of music composition and basic musicianship; and 34-40 credit hours of supportive courses in music, including ensemble participation and performance studies. The culminating experience for this degree is a senior composition project.

College Prospect for Success Course (2 credit hours)


All new freshmen in the College of Arts + Architecture must take the following:

General Education Courses (31 credit hours)


For details on required courses, refer to the General Education Program .

Music Composition and Basic Musicianship Courses (41 credit hours)


Music Supportive Courses (34-40 credit hours)


Ensemble Participation and Performance Courses (26 credit hours)


  • MUPF 11xx - Primary Ensembles (1) (8 semesters)
  • MUPF 11xx - Secondary Ensembles (1) (2 semesters)
  • MUPF 12xx - Applied Music (2) (4 semesters)
  • MUPF 32xx - Advanced Applied Music (2) (4 semesters)

Music Business or Technology Course (1 credit hour)


Select one of the following:

Techniques Courses (2 credit hours)


Elective Techniques Courses

Select two of the following outside the student’s primary instrument:

Unrestricted Elective Courses


As needed to complete the credit hours required for graduation.  Based upon the student’s interests, the following courses are recommended to supplement the Concentration in Composition:

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours


Progression Requirements


Most Music courses require grades of C or above to progress to subsequent levels of study. All required Music courses must be passed with grades of C or above to graduate.  For specific requirements, refer to the Department of Music Student Handbook

All students are required to pass a Sophomore Review (typically pursued the Spring semester of a student’s second year in the program). The Sophomore Review process consists of a Musicianship Evaluation, an Applied Performance Evaluation, and an Interview.  Students who fail their Sophomore Review will be eligible to initiate a new Review the following semester.  Students in the major must successfully complete the Sophomore Review before enrolling in some major courses at the 3000 or 4000 level.

Honors Program


For details about the Arts + Architecture Honors Program, visit the AAHP program page .