Composition

About the Program

SJSU's School of Music's Composition and Music Technology programs offer intensive studies in music composition and technology at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate students are guided through a series of studies designed to develop skills in contemporary compositional techniques and musical vocabularies. The lower-division courses are exploratory in nature, focusing on intricacies of various methods and musical styles. In upper-division courses, developing an individual style in emphasized. Students recieve weekly individual lessons with outstanding artist/teacher faculty, and participate in a weekly Composers Forum, often featuring prominent guest composers from around the world.

The outlets for performance of compositions are numerous: from student performers dedicated to performing new works, to formal ensembles that perform original works by student composers, to professional ensembles in the Bay Area with whom the School has cooperative agreements for performances of student works. Under instructor supervision, students create electro-acoustic compositions using the latest computer technology. In addition, through our collaboration with the Department of Film and Theatre, and the Digital Art Media area of the Art Department, students collaborate in the development of original projects for visual and digital media.

Graduate students prepare a series of original compositions, culminating in a substantial work for large, often mixed ensemble, with or without technology. Graduate students receive weekly private lessons, enroll in graduate theory and history seminars, often participate a Teacher Assistants or tutors for undergraduate music courses.

Degrees Offered

Faculty

Dr. Pablo FurmanDr. Pablo Furman
Associate Director; Composition Area Coordinator; Keyboard Area Coordinator
408-924-4646
pablo.furman@sjsu.edu
MUS 202

Brian CiachBrian Ciach
Music Theory
brian.ciach@sjsu.edu

SJSU Spartan LogoDr. Fred Cohen
Director, School of Music and Dance; Orchestra
408-924-4677
fred.cohen@sjsu.edu

Lucas SchwyterLucas Schwyter
Audio Technology, Audio Recording
youngkwang.schwyter@sjsu.edu


Audition Information

Follow the link below for more information on audition to the Composition and Music Technology program.

Audition Information

Frequently Asked Questions