Music notes

The Master of Music (M.M.) in Composition features two areas of emphasis: stage music and concert music. These programs are tailored to meet specific areas of concentration within the compositional field, but each contains the same core of rigorous composition, theory, and history courses. The level of professional preparation is such that our M.M. graduates, regardless of emphasis, are eligible to begin doctoral study, either at Catholic University or at another institution. Please click here for information on applying to our graduate programs. The links below have more information on the content of each of our MM programs.

The MM Composition Stage Music Emphasis will not be taking applications for the 2023-2024 application cycle. Dr. Andrew Simpson is on sabbatical; we will next accept applications starting in Fall 2024. 

  • Stage Music Emphasis

    This program provides training and development for students in writing for a variety of genres, including opera, musical theatre, dance, and incidental music for drama.

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  • Concert Music Emphasis

    The M.M. in Composition, Concert Music, emphasizes the development of increasingly sophisticated compositional skills and awareness of contemporary aesthetics, while providing the strong academic foundation necessary to pursue doctoral study, either at Catholic University or at another institution.

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  • Performance at Kennedy Center

    Why Study Music in D.C.?

    Known for art, culture, and theater, the city is a hub for new music, performances by world-renowned artists, and an abundance of venues where young musicians perform on a regular basis.

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