Composition
For those interested in composing music, the Music Department offers an Associate in Arts degree in music theory and composition. In addition to taking the theory courses required of all majors, students in this degree plan take at least four semesters of private lessons in composition. In these lessons, students learn compositional technique through the completion of creative projects. Composition lessons are also open to students majoring in other areas of music and in areas outside of music. Each semester, composition students have their music performed in public on a concert featuring their works. Students also attend a bi-weekly listening and discussion session and participate in events featuring visiting composers from both the professional and academic arenas.
There is a composition scholarship available to high school students, awarded on a competitive basis. Completion of this NASM-accredited degree prepares students for work toward a bachelor's degree in theory and composition, and can lay a solid foundation for later graduate work. Possible careers include music teacher or professor, music publisher, music copyist, professional arranger, or professional composer. For more information about the theory and composition program, please contact Dr. Neil Flory by e- mail at nflory@delmar.edu or by phone at 698-1619.