Overview

Balancing musicianship training with contemporary production skills to reflect a changing music industry, students will learn music theory, composition, harmony, orchestration, and arranging, focusing on creating emotion through music in synchronization with visual media.

Students will use the latest computer based production workflows, digital audio workstations and virtual instrument libraries.

The focus of Music Scoring and Composition at Academy of Art University is on composition using virtual instruments, resulting in a thesis project and portfolio in the final year.

MFA Thesis Project

Plan an original portfolio of work worthy of the MFA degree
Complete an original MFA thesis which represents an advanced level of achievement in the field of music creation for visual media
Listening Skills and Critical Thinking
Think critically and demonstrate flexibility in creating or editing music for client needs

Programme Structure

Courses

Motion Picture Theory and Style

Music Notation and Score Preparation

Harmony: Advanced Techniques

Music Production

Anthropology: Experiencing Culture
Music Scoring

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-17 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-02-05 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Rolling Admission. We encourage you to apply early

Language

English

Credits

63 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

San Francisco, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition Music Performance View 163 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Application form or online application
$50 application fee
Official transcripts from your undergraduate college or university showing completion of an undergraduate degree.
Resume
Portfolio

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33426 USD / year

≈ 33426 USD / year
Out-of-State

26586 USD / year

≈ 26586 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

26586 USD / year

≈ 26586 USD / year

Additional Details

Graduate Tuition (Domestic Students): $1,407/unit – 3 units per class

Graduate Tuition (International Students): $1,615/unit – 3 units per class

Living costs

San Francisco

United States

2206 - 4119 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Scoring and Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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