Composition

Learn the language of music

As a music composition major you will learn how to write your own music. DePaul’s Composition program combines traditional music studies with instruction in analysis, orchestration, compositional procedures and contemporary musical styles. Music professors are active composers who will give you private composition instruction.

Music composition majors also take part in seminars with guest composers, write and produce original works and have your compositions performed during the DePaul Composers Forum. You may submit your pieces to be read and performed by the DePaul Ensemble 20+, DePaul Wind Ensemble, DePaul Choirs, DePaul Symphony Orchestra and small student chamber groups.

Living in Chicago, you’ll be able to hear live, professional music performances from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. You’ll also be able to attend concerts of every genre, including major music festivals like Lollapalooza and Chicago Jazz Festival.