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. The School’s composition program focuses on acoustic composition, while encouraging students to explore computer music, recording techniques, and the analysis of tonal and non-tonal music. Composers are also advised to continue their work as instrumentalists and conductors.
Composition students’ pieces are performed frequently by fellow students in solo, small-ensemble and orchestral settings, and on the New Music New Haven concert series. During their time at Yale, composition students are expected to produce enough work for a full-length recital program. Distinguished guest composers visit the School regularly to meet with students in the composition seminar.
In recent years, School of Music alumni have won such awards for their compositions as the Pulitzer Prize, Grammy Award, and Grawemeyer Award, 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
Composition seminars are open to the public unless noted otherwise. Prospective students are welcome to attend, but please RSVP by email in advance. Spring 2021 seminars will be held remotely through Zoom from 2:30-4:00 p.m. Eastern Time unless noted otherwise.
Tania Leon | February 18
Pamela Z | March 18
Konrad Kaczmarek and Jack Vees, NMNH | March 25
David Lang and Martin Bresnick | April 15
Martin Bresnick
Aaron Jay Kernis
David Lang
Hannah Lash
Christopher Theofanidis
Faculty composer Aaron Jay Kernis, on "Elegy (for those we lost)"
Generation YSM: Meet composer Udi Perlman '26DMA
