Music (BM) in Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting

Webster University

The composition program at Webster focuses on contemporary concert music or songwriting. Students are also encouraged to explore many other musical styles and technologies such as jazz, electronic, computer and MIDI applications. Faculty composers work directly with composition majors. Numerous opportunities exist for the performance of students' work, including the Webster New Music Ensemble, Student Songwriter Showcase, and the Wet Ink project. Students in this major complete the required core, performance, composition and supportive courses, and complete one of the two emphasis areas. The songwriting emphasis is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career as a composer, author and performer of original songs. In both private applied study and the classroom setting, students in the songwriter track refine their skills as songwriters/composers, vocalists, lyricists and accompanists (normally on piano and/or guitar). Extensive applied instruction on primary and secondary instruments is coupled with traditional, jazz and commercial music theory and history. Students in this program present a final concert of original songs and a fully-produced compact disc. The bachelor of music in composition conforms to the guidelines specified by the National Association of Schools of Music for accreditation. Webster University is a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts