From concept to concert — make your music heard.
The Theory/Composition concentration prepares you to create original music, think critically about how music works, and build a portfolio that opens doors to professional opportunities and graduate study.
Who Should 69´«Ã½
This program is ideal for creative musicians—on any band or orchestral instrument, piano, voice, or guitar—who want to compose, arrange, and analyze music at a high level.
Why Study Theory/Composition at UL 69´«Ã½?
- Composer-first training through guided mentorship, readings, and recordings that help you turn ideas into finished works.
- Scholarly depth that strengthens analysis and orchestration to support your creative decisions.
- Some Theory/Composition students have works published prior to graduation, reinforcing the industry readiness supported by our training.
- Accelerated BM/MM track is available as an option for high-performing students.
What You’ll Study
- Music theory and analysis
- Composition and orchestration
- Music history and literature
- Applied music and ensembles
- Keyboard musicianship
All Theory/Composition students complete at least 45 hours of upper-level coursework in music and present a final recital or composition portfolio demonstrating their creative and analytical achievements.
For advanced students, an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) option allows you to begin graduate-level work in composition or theory during your senior year.
Performance & Portfolio Opportunities
- Readings and performances by student and faculty ensembles
- Studio classes, composer forums, and recording sessions
- Regular concerts and recital opportunities to showcase new music
Careers & Next Steps
This concentration typically prepares you for a career as a composer and positions you for graduate study leading to teaching and research in academia.
Auditions & Scholarships
An audition is required for admission and scholarship consideration.
Schedule Your Audition » Scholarship & Financial Aid »
Questions?
Contact the Music Theory/Composition Coordinator, Dr. Wesley Bradford at wesley.bradford@louisiana.edu.