Grad School for Music Composition

[schumacher574]

Hi everyone,

So i graduated with a degree in Computer Science, but I took a great deal of music electives, including: Music Composition (4 semesters), Film Music, Private Piano Instruction (7 semesters), Private Guitar Instruction (1 semester), Principles of / Advanced Music Technology (2 semesters), Audio Recording Techniques, Music Theory I-III, Music Acoustics and the Physics of Sound.

My question is, would it be possible to get into a Graduate school program for Music Composition? Or specifically for Music Composition for Visual Media? I'm wondering if an undergraduate degree in music is required, which I am not opposed to achieving, but I'd rather save the money and go straight to graduate school.

If not, are any of you familiar with Berklee's online music courses? They have a Master Certificate program for Film/Game Music that actually recommends EastWest's products, but I am not sure if the price would be worth the reward. I've heard from some people that the classes are very rewarding, but from others that the professors rarely provide any feedback. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Erik

[juliancs]

There are two lengthy threads on Berklee's online school on here if you search for em.

You shouldn't need the undergrad degree if you can prove relevance and competency.

[nickscottmusic]

In my experience (and I've done a Bachelor, a Postgrad Diploma and a Master's, all in composition), many places will accept you regardless of your qualifications, if you can prove relevant experience and the quality of your music is up to scratch. I've seen musicians and composers get into graduate degrees with no undergraduate degree, or an unrelevant one (like psychology). My best advice is to contact them directly. Don't speak to admissions, who'll tell you the official stance, speak to the head of the composition departments, who will tell you what's going on in the real world. Send them your best stuff, and if you wow them enough they'll no doubt ask you for an interview. Best of luck!