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About the B.M. in Composition Degree

Why Study Music Composition at Cedarville?

Our distinctly Christian Bachelor of Music in composition degree will prepare you for a career in film and concert composition, arranging, music production, and music entrepreneurship. From regular collaborations with the performance area, to readings with our large ensembles, to well-equipped technology facilities, we provide the tools you need to pursue your artistic and professional goals.

At Cedarville University, Bach’s famous phrase "Soli Deo Gloria" — for the glory of God alone — is more than a slogan. It is the mission that drives all that we do to honor the Master Creator through our creativity. Study in our music program and learn from accomplished professors who will mentor and inspire you. Master your skills in our world-class facilities. Experience the preparation you need for your career or graduate school. Cedarville music graduates serve as teachers, composers, studio musicians, and more. Pursue your passion while worshipping the Master Composer at Cedarville University.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Program Highlights

Dual Focus — The Cedarville music composition degree has a dual focus on composition for the concert hall as well as composition for contemporary media.

Music Technology — You will be exposed to significant music technology that will prepare you to be a composer for film, games, and other contemporary media.

Digital Environment — You will learn how to record, mix, and produce your compositions in the digital environment.

Varied Mediums — To prepare for artistic pursuits in concert music, you will compose pieces for many different mediums in the course of your studies and have regular opportunities for performances and readings of your work.

Selective (audition required) — You will be accepted into the music program — and be eligible for a department scholarship — based on a successful audition with music faculty.

What Can You Do With a Music Composition Degree?

Our graduates are prepared to:

  • Arrange for a variety of ensembles
  • Compose instrumental and vocal works
  • Score for media and film

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

As a music composition major, you will enjoy outstanding resources that will hone the skills you need to be a professional musician:

  • Award-winning faculty
  • Challenging and inspiring music colleagues
  • Comprehensive music library
  • Electronic music production lab for film scoring and music production
  • Excellent rehearsal rooms and recital hall
  • Opportunities to hear great music performed in the greater metropolitan area
  • Well-maintained practice rooms
  • Challenging and inspiring music colleagues
  • Opportunities to hear great music performed in the greater metropolitan area

You will be able to participate in:

Scholarships and Placement Rates

Students playing in the orchestra

Soli Deo Gloria Music Scholarships

Cedarville University offers music scholarships of up to $6,000 per year for students majoring in music. You can combine your music scholarship with Cedarville’s other generous academic and need-based scholarships.

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Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 97.6% of 2020 graduates from the Department of Music and Worship were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.


Cedarville's Placement Rates
Ben Knudson leads worship during a chapel service in October 2019.

International Worship Event in a Virtual Format

Cedarville University will be among nine schools from around the world participating.
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Program Curriculum

Building on your general education liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take a wide array of core music and composition courses.

Sample courses:

  • Composition Portfolio
  • Form and Analysis

CUinClass

The CUinClass video project was originally filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow virtual visitors to experience Cedarville classes, While students no longer wear masks and guests are welcomed in person, these on-demand videos still provide a great opportunity to hear from our professors and experience academics at Cedarville. View a class that interests you now!

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is a best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • Residential
  • 4-Year
Two women sitting at a piano

From Our Students:

  • The faculty is one of the biggest blessings of studying music at Cedarville. They are all godly men and women who lead by example for their students in all that they do. Whether they are developing our skills musically or guiding us spiritually, the willingness of the faculty to disciple us and care for us personally is evident in every lesson, class, and concert. I have learned how to humbly pursue excellence, discipline, and creativity for God's glory.
    Antonio Muñoz '21
    Antonio Munoz
Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

Photo of Austin Jaquith

Austin Jaquith, D.M.A.

Professor of Music Theory and Composition

Contact

Department of Music and Worship

Program News