Music composition professor points to a sheet of music

Bachelor of Music in Composition

About the B.M. in Composition Degree

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.

Why Study Music Composition at Cedarville?

Music Composition 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 medium 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 I Do With Music Composition?

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:
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.

Learn More »

Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 100% of 2019 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 »
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Dr. Deforia Lane Diversity Scholarship

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The Dr. Deforia Lane Diversity Scholarship will be awarded to new students in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 beginning fall 2021.
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Two Specialized Master’s Programs Starting January 2021

The new degrees will also provide an opportunity for partnerships with the school of business administration and the department of music and worship.
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Program Faculty

Photo of Austin Jaquith

Austin Jaquith, D.M.A.

Professor of Music Theory and Composition

  • Location DMC 118
  • Phone 937-766-7560
  • Email Email
Department of Music and Worship

Music Composition 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.


CUinClass

Our CUinClass video project gives you the opportunity to sit in on a class, hear from our professors, and experience academics at Cedarville via in-demand video. View a class that interests you now!

Sample courses:

  • Composition Portfolio
  • Form and Analysis

View Curriculum Plan and Catalog