Music Composition Concentration

The Concentration in Music Composition is offered for students who are interested in the entire, comprehensive creative process of music.

Concentration

School of Music


Apply Now Schedule a Visit

The emphasis is on developing an individual style of composition while fostering practical writing and arranging skills for a career in music composition. This program is also designed to prepare students for the option of advanced studies in composition at the graduate level.  Private lessons in composition are open to all students.

Program Requirements

With our music composition program, you will have the opportunity to compose for a wide variety of instruments, genres, and styles, from solo works to large ensembles, and from chamber works to electronic compositions.  Composition majors gradually work towards completing their Senior Composition Portfolio – filled with finished scores of compositions, arrangements, and recordings.

Composers receive weekly private lessons to hone their compositional craft and find their individual voice.  Composition Studio is a time to collaborate with other composers and acquire real-world skills necessary to succeed in the field.

 

Composition Opportunities

Composition students have multiple opportunities to have their original works performed on campus, including performances by our orchestra and concert bands.  Students also have the amazing opportunity to work in our state-of-the-art Don Reddick Recording Studio to record their own compositions and arrangements.

If you come to campus for a visit, please let Dr. Ring know and he’d be happy to meet you while you are on campus.  This could be for an individual meeting, a sample lesson, or you can even observe one of his classes that day!

Dr. Don Reddick poses in music studio

The Don Reddick Recording Studio

The Don Reddick Recording Studio was dedicated by President Dr. John C. Bowling, the Administrative Team, the President-Elect, Dr. Gregg Chenoweth, and the Chairman of the board, Dr. Ron Blake, in December 2021.

The studio was dedicated to Dr. Don Reddick in recognition of his outstanding service to the University during his tenure as faculty and Dean of the School of Music. Dr. Reddick was instrumental in developing many new programs and opportunities for music students at Olivet. His vision and work led to the establishment of our recording studio.

Dr. Bell instructing a student in Centennial Chapel

World-Renowned Opportunities

Whether playing one of Olivet’s Steinway grand pianos, the world-renowned Ruffati organ, or arranging on the MIDI Mac lab, students develop musical excellence here. Our graduates have gone on to success in all areas of music — be it performance, production or academic instruction.

Student on main campus wearing pink sweater and holding water bottle.

Where Your Future Begins

We Believe. You Belong Here. Discover why Olivet is a place where faith meets calling. Take the first step today.

Plan a Visit Start my Application