Mead Witter School of Music ll University of Wisconsin - Madison

Composition Portfolio Information

Composition (BM)

l  Consideration for admission will be based on:

(1) a portfolio of compositions and

(2) a recorded performance audition on an orchestral or band instrument, piano, voice or guitar.  

l  Prospective composition majors are considered for fall admission only.

l  All materials must be submitted by December 31. Admission decisions will be communicated in early March.

The portfolio of compositions should consist of:

l  Three scores of original compositions, for a variety of performance media, if possible:

ü  For example, music for solo instruments, for chamber ensembles, for orchestra, band, chorus, and/or electronic media. 

ü  At least one of these scores should be in the form of a photocopy of the applicant’s handwritten manuscript.

l  CD Recordings of as many of the portfolio compositions as possible. 

ü  Please submit on a separate sheet of paper

u  a CD track list, including titles, dates of composition, performance media, and durations.  

ü  It is strongly recommended that, if possible,  at least one of the recordings be of a performance by traditional acoustic instruments that is, not a MIDI realization.

l  A complete list of your compositions, including dates of composition, performance media, and durations, along with a list of any awards or honors in composition that you may have received.

l  A research paper that you have written in high school or college (music subject preferred). The paper should demonstrate the ability to think logically and communicate clearly and creatively.

u  The recorded performance audition should be submitted via CD recording(s) of 10 – 20 minutes of music composed by someone other than the applicant (preferably more than one composition; excerpts are acceptable).

u  It should reflect and demonstrate, to the extent possible, the breadth and depth of the general musical performance ability of the applicant; the repertoire should be chosen by the applicant with that consideration in mind.

u  This part of the application materials is especially helpful in the case of applicants who have little previous instruction or experience in composition.

u  Make sure to include a track list separate from the CD that includes title and composer for each track. Please note that individual performance instruction is not available to composition majors unless space is available in the studio of the performance instructor, and the instructor admits the student to the studio.

                                                                                                                               Updated on 05/11/2019