Explore the Music Composition Residency
A closer look at MFA in Music Composition
VCFA’s academic calendar is divided into two semesters per year: a summer and winter semester respectively. Each semester begins with a nine-day residency that provides an intensive infusion of musical opportunities to inspire and invigorate each semester of individualized study. The professional and personal community that is created during residencies extends beyond campus, between residencies, and even after graduation.
Each residency, students attend workshops, lectures, master classes, rehearsals, and performances. Every residency hosts world-class musicians who rehearse and perform student music written during the previous semester. Students choose their faculty advisors, develop individualized study plans for the coming semester, and gain both direction and inspiration for the work ahead. Our 5:1 student-faculty ratio guarantees a high level of individual attention and fosters close relationships between students and faculty mentors.
In addition to their Music Composition community, students are on campus with our five other MFA programs during residency: Film, Graphic Design, Writing, Writing for Children & Young Adults, and Visual Art. Composers will have the opportunity during residency for interdisciplinary study, work, and networking.
Upon completion of the two-year program, students will have attended five unique and invigorating residencies that guide their creative work while offering minimal disruption to their professional life and personal schedule.
Semester Work
Mentorship & Individualized Study
Over the semester, each student works from home on an individualized course of study designed to broaden and deepen compositional practices and skills. Faculty mentors provide continual feedback on students’ compositions and related work. The core of each student’s semester is writing music, supported by relevant research and analysis–developing a body of professional, creative work that reflects their unique compositional artistry.
Through the MFA in Music Composition program, students create lifelong practices in an engaged and dynamic musical community, building strong networks and enabling them to keep growing as artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "student-directed" or "self-guided" learning?
Student-directed learning gives students greater control and ownership over their education. At VCFA, we don’t dictate the content or direction of students’ work. The faculty advisor’s role is to guide and support an individual course of study that considers the student’s previous experience, current goals, and specific needs as a composer.
Learn more about our low-residency model.
Are the contemporary, electronic, jazz, songwriting, and scoring-for-media students on separate academic tracks?
Students may select one area of focus or engage in cross-genre composition. We encourage exploration and the development of an individualized course of study that is specific to your needs as a composer. Students are not required to declare a specific musical track.
Will this program help me get published?
Yes and no. The majority of your time spent in the program will be about craft. The faculty will want you to stay focused on your writing during the two-year program. They believe that the best way to get published is to be the strongest writer that you can be. A degree from VCFA opens doors in the publishing industry because agents and editors know the quality of the work that comes from our writers.
In the last semester of the program, you can begin exploring next steps and insights with your faculty. In addition, since students come in at all different points in their career, you will learn much from your fellow students and visiting writers along the way. VCFA regularly offers industry workshops for alumnx as well.
Read more about our alumnx.
Are there opportunities for students to have music played?
Each residency, our ensembles-in-residence rehearse, perform, and record student compositions written during the previous semester. Ensembles feature professional musicians who are unrivaled performers and generous collaborators. Students are required to write for one of the ensembles-in-residence at least two different semesters, but most choose to do so every semester. It’s an exceptional opportunity to receive high-level performances and recordings of your own compositions and create vital working relationships with some of the best musicians in the field.
In addition, each residency also features multiple opportunities for students to showcase their work: a Film Music Festival with screenings of music written for various media (film, documentary, television, commercials, video games, etc.); an Electronic Music Showcase for live electronic sound and multimedia; a Songwriting Showcase with performances by students, faculty, and staff; a Choral Workshop for student composers and singers; and a Composer/Performer Showcase.
Watch performances of student work on our YouTube channel!
How can I find out more about how this program would work for me?
The first step is to contact Admissions. In addition to talking with you about your specific interests and goals and answering your questions about the program, we can put you in touch with students, faculty, or alums and help you plan a visit. We would love to hear from you!
Ready to Apply?
Ready to get started or have questions?
Contact our admissions team today to get started.