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Composition (Interdisciplinary Digital Media), MM

Composition (Interdisciplinary Digital Media), MM

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Composition (Interdisciplinary Digital Media), MM

Digital Media, Interdisciplinary, Media Arts, Musician, arts, audio, composing, computers, media

Take your skills to the next level by working with digital sound and experimental media. This program provides extensive faculty interaction from both the School of Music and the School of Arts, Media and Engineering.

Program description
Degree awarded: MM  Composition (Interdisciplinary Digital Media)

The MM program in music with a concentration in interdisciplinary digital media is designed for students who have interests and the creative skills to work within a cross-section of the arts and sciences. Program offerings extend beyond typical music coursework to allow more opportunities for digital sound and experimental media projects and to allow students to be actively involved in current developments in the field of media and digital culture.

There are state-of-the-art media facilities, hybrid arts-engineering faculty and courses in electronic music with relevant resources. Students are encouraged to develop their own compositional voices and focus on their area of interest, regardless of style or aesthetics, while gaining extensive knowledge through coursework and private lessons with the composition faculty.

Composers have multiple performance opportunities each year, including collaborations with student performers; readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the ASU Wind Ensembles and Philharmonia Orchestra; commissions for the PRISMS Contemporary Music Festival; and collaborations with student animators, filmmakers and dancers.

At a glance
Degree requirements

32 credit hours including a thesis and a written comprehensive exam, or
32 credit hours including a thesis, a written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam, or
32 credit hours including a written comprehensive exam and the required applied project course (MTC 593), or
32 credit hours including a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam and the required applied project course (MTC 593)

Required Core (6 credit hours)
MTC 523 Advanced Composition (6)

Concentration (18 credit hours)
Arts, Media and Engineering coursework (9)
Music Theory and Music History (9)

Electives (2 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
AME or MTC 599 Thesis (6) or
MTC 593 Applied Project (6)

Additional Curriculum Requirements
Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students prior to enrollment in the ASU School of Music.

Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet located at the bottom of the school's degree page.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Applicants are eligible to apply if they have earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country and officially recognized by that country.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. School of Music, Dance and Theatre application, including a resume and personal statement
  3. official transcripts
  4. prescreening portfolio
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances. In order to meet English proficiency requirements, students should have a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80, or an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5, or a Pearson Test of English score of at least 60.

Although a bachelor's degree in music is not required to be eligible for admission, applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree in music may wish to take foundational courses in music theory and history as recommended by their advisor.

Students should see the program website for application deadlines. After the School of Music, Dance and Theatre receives the complete application (this includes recommendation letters, transcripts and English proficiency requirements) and it is reviewed by the department, the applicant may be invited for an interview. Information about the interview can be found on the school's admissions website.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/01Final
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 10/01Final
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Apply software engineering skills to music, sound, and video.
  • Evaluate specific musical products within the context of a specific historic or cultural tradition, including contemporary media.
  • Create independent musical products or performances using interdisciplinary digital media.
Career opportunities

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music.

Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching, researching, arts advocacy and serving as therapists are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship and the focused discipline needed for success as musicians are all highly valued by a wide range of companies and professions.

Career examples include:

  • arts administrator
  • community arts advocate
  • composer for film, video games or television
  • performing musician
  • public or community school teacher
  • university professor
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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