Skipping the Terminal Master's?

kmcmom13
Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:03:28 +0000

^There’s not much wisdom to add to vdad’s great post, except that my son has been debating these types of issues. I am not optimistic that a composer would be prepared to “skip” masters level work in composition unless you are presently in an unbelievably tippy top program and exceeding all standards – but could be wrong.

I will say that one outlier option, depending on your intent around composition, would be to seek a truly TERMINAL Masters – which is available in a very limited way to some aspects of composition – eg. UC Irvines Integrated Inter-active Arts (Composition) or some sound design and electronic composition programs. Or if you’re a composer interested in working in the film industry, a MFA in film production (sound emphasis). Of course, you would need to have a very well developed portfolio to be accepted without a film undergrad, and this would only be of interest to you if you’re highly interested and talented in those areas. Just fodder for thought.

What is it you’re looking for in grad/post doc work, exactly. Tenure-track teaching?