Bachelor in Music Theory and Composition (Bachelor's)

At University of Redlands, the application deadline for the Jan 2027 intake is Nov 1, 2026, and tuition is Tuition and fees are subject to change and are listed in the university's official catalog and financial aid documents..

This program provides intensive training in compositional practice with a focus on creating original works for live performance. Students develop technical and artistic skills through weekly private lessons and a weekly Composition Studio Class. The curriculum emphasizes real-world experience by ensuring student compositions are performed and recorded by university ensembles. Graduates leave with a professional portfolio of high-quality recordings and industry connections.

Focus areas include Live ensemble performance of original compositions, Collaboration with filmmakers and media creators, Composition for film, media, and gaming, Interdisciplinary study with liberal arts, Creative inquiry and musical interpretation, Portfolio development through recordings.

The program requires a total of 120 credits, distributed across core music courses, private lessons, ensemble participation, and composition-specific studio classes. Students complete a capstone portfolio of original works recorded with live ensembles.

Graduates pursue advanced study in composition and film scoring, work in film and media industries, or build careers as performer-composers and independent artists.

Applicants must submit The Common Application, a supplemental School of Performing Arts application, and complete an audition. Music auditions are held in January and February for Fall entry, with video submissions accepted through February 14. A separate application and audition are required for admission to the Conservatory of Music.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four-year program. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 81% of applicants.

The University of Redlands brings together Southern California and Bay Area campuses, connected classes, small-group learning, athletic teams, and more than 80 clubs and organizations. Students can take part in campus life through 22 NCAA Division III teams, community service, internships, and study-away opportunities. The university has a 100+ year legacy and an alumni community of more than 50,000 people.

Academic options include more than 60 undergraduate programs, 30 graduate programs, and certificate programs. Programs combine academic rigor with experiential learning, applicable skills, and hands-on experiences. Students can collaborate with professors and peers on research projects in science labs and in the field. Other pathways support research in business, education, theology, social justice, geospatial studies, leadership, and related fields.

Students receive personalized support through small, connected classes and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Career preparation includes internships, networking, professional pathways, career development resources, and community service internships. International students can also explore global opportunities through study-away programs and join a community focused on personal, academic, and professional development across the classroom and beyond.