Music Theory & Music Composition Professional Sequence


Students wishing to pursue the Bachelor of Music in Composition, the Bachelor of Music in Theory must apply for admission to the professional sequence, which includes an application form, recommendation from a member of the theory faculty (for a theory degree) or the composition faculty (for a composition degree), recommendation from an applied teacher, and a portfolio of original writings (for a theory degree) or compositions (for a composition degree).

The entire theory and composition faculty will review the application materials. Admission will be based on the following minimum criteria:

  • Grade-point average of 3.0 in all MTHC courses
  • Satisfactory faculty recommendations in music theory or music composition, and applied music
  • Demonstration of performance proficiency on some instrument or voice
  • Positive evaluation of the portfolio by the admission committee

Students must complete at least three semesters of music theory courses before applying for admission to the program. Transfer students must complete at least one semester at KU prior to applying for the sequence. Candidates will be reviewed for admission twice a year.

The deadline for applications is April 15 (fall semester) or October 15 (spring semester) by 5:00 p.m. Submit application form and completed recommendations to the Area Coordinator for the Music Theory and Composition Division, Dr Alan Street, located in 222 Murphy Hall, and submit a portfolio in the form of PDF documents to dastreet@ku.edu

Download the application (.docx)