Composition and Sonic Arts

With an emphasis on eclectic approaches to composition and sound arts, the University of Alberta offers graduate studies in Composition in the BMus, MMus and DMus programs. We encourage students to explore multiple modes of composition and sound creation, and emphasize a wide view of contemporary music, including not only traditional acoustic approaches, but also those involving sophisticated uses of technology, interactive media, improvisation, installation, acousmatic sound and spatialization, and collaborative approaches. Whenever possible, the graduate programs feature performances of student compositions by professional musicians and ensembles, as well as performance opportunities with contemporary music ensembles, including the Contempo New Music Ensemble, and the XImE Experimental Improvisation Ensemble.

Recent course offerings directly related to studies in Composition have included 20th century and contemporary repertoires, contemporary music performance, and seminars in: noise music, installation and sound art, visual representation of sound, algorithmic music, and technical courses on interactive sound programming using computer languages such as Max/MSP, Pure Data, and ChucK, as well as hardware design with sensor technologies using systems such as the Arduino system of microprocessor programming environments.

Located in the vibrant city of Edmonton, Alberta, the Composition Program encourages students to develop professional experiences with community arts organizations, as well as national and international organizations. Our faculty maintain strong relationship with many important Canadian and international institutions, as well as with other departments on campus, including Art and Design, Drama, Humanities Computing, and Computing Science. We encourage students to seek out opportunities for collaboration with artists, scientists, and humanists from across the University. 

For a full list of faculty and instructors in the Composition and Sonic Arts area, please visit the Faculty by Area page.

Listen — Composition Area