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Studying Composition at the University of Redlands
Stressing musicianship, scholarship, and creative exploration, the University of Redlands Composition Studio is currently populated by a group of bright, talented, and promising young composers. Each semester, the group presents an entirely student-produced recital of exciting new works to the University community. In addition, student works are heard on other concerts at Redlands-- from student recitals to major ensembles.
Current Student and Alumni News
Sakari Dixon (BM Composition '14) received the faculty-selected award for most outstanding freshman music major for the 2010 - 2011 academic year. Sakari recently started a blog about her musical endeavors.
Michael Garman (MM Composition '12) had his work Alloy Bite performed in April by the Univeristy of Redlands Wind Symphony and this summer also attended the Xenharmonic Praxis Summer Program for microtonal music in West Virginia.
Mario Godoy (BM Composition / Saxophone Performance '10) will begin his M.M. degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music this fall.
Barry Lawrence (BM Composition '13) will be studying abroad this coming fall in Amsterdam.
Natalie Moller (BM Composition '12) recently studied composition with Christopher Theofanidis and Giya Kancheli in Italy, where she also had several performances of new works. This year, Natalie also won the Presser Foundation Award, a faculty-selected award for the most outstanding junior music major.
Zachery Neufeld (BM Composition '10) will begin his M.M. degree at the University of California - Los Angeles this fall.
Emily Praetorius (BM Composition / Clarinet Performance '12) was awarded the SAI Outstanding Composer Award for the 2010 - 2011 academic year. Last year, Emily studied composition abroad in Vienna.
Information for Prospective Students
The University of Redlands offers two degree programs in composition-- the Bachelor of Music in Composition and the Master of Music in Composition. Admission to the program is based on a combination of your scholastic portfolio (grades, test scores, etc.), your audition (undergraduate level only), and your composition portfolio. For full details, contact Brad Andrews, Director of Music Admissions at the University of Redlands at (909) 748 - 8014 or at brad_andrews@redlands.edu. Of course, direct questions specifically about the composition program to myself directly-- see my contact page.
Our program is very unique amongst undergraduate programs-- all students, regardless of year, have a weekly lesson with me, as well as a composition studio class with all the composers once a week. Each semester, the students put on a totally student-produced studio recital of new works, which are recorded. The philosophy of the University of Redlands Composition Department is one of rigorous preparation, a high level of musicianship, collegiality, and stylistic diversity.
Resources for Current Students:
Annotated Bibliography of Useful Books for Composers (pdf)
American Composers Forum Opportunity Page
Interesting Music-related Weblogs
University of Redlands Composition Studio Blog
Classical Music is Boring (awesome webcomic)
