Composition at YSM
With an internationally acclaimed faculty and diverse performance opportunities across the Yale campus, the composition program at the School of Music attracts students from around the world.
Composition students’ pieces are showcased frequently by fellow YSM students in recitals, in chamber groups on the New Music New Haven series, in orchestral performances by the Yale Philharmonia, in interdisciplinary settings at Yale's Center for Collaborative Arts and Media, and beyond. Distinguished guest composers visit the School regularly to meet with students in the composition seminar.
In recent years, School of Music alumni have won Pulitzer Prizes and Grammy and Grawemeyer awards, and have served as composers-in-residence with a variety of orchestras, festivals, and other organizations.
Faculty Spotlight
Christopher Theofanidis
Degrees + Programs
Master of Music
The two-year master of music (M.M.) degree program is open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in any major.
Master of Musical Arts
The performance-oriented master of musical arts (M.M.A.) program is designed for students who want to further their education beyond an M.M. degree.
Doctor of Musical Arts
The intensive doctor of musical arts (D.M.A) program is comprised of a two-year residency followed by a three-year period in which candidates launch their professional careers.
Composition seminars
2025-2026 Seminars
Throughout the year, seminars with esteemed composers offer insights into their creative process, influences, and the evolving landscape of contemporary composition. Events open to the public are in bold; these take place on Thursdays at 2:30PM in Room 106, Stoeckel Hall.
Please direct any questions to Martin Bresnick, Charles T. Wilson Professor in the Practice of Composition.
December 4 — Nico Muhly
December 11 — Philharmonia dress seminar
December 18 — Post-concert
January 15 — Careers, grants, and commissions
January 22 — Writing and speaking about music
January 29 — Sean Sheperd
February 5 — Zosha Di Castri (New Music New Haven)
February 12 — Post-concert
March 5 — Ileana Perez Velazquez, David Lang, and Katherine Balch (New Music New Haven)
March 26 — Post-concert
April 2 — Students’ choice
April 9 — Kathryn Alexander and Konrad Kaczmarek
April 16 — Catherine Lamb and Aaron Jay Kernis (New Music New Haven)
April 23 — Post-concert
April 30 — Students’ choice
Katherine Balch
Martin Bresnick
Aaron Jay Kernis
David Lang
Christopher Theofanidis
YSM composers “swim in the big sea” at NYC showcase
Composer Missy Mazzoli says schools and professional ensembles "need to hire women and non-binary individuals"
