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Portland State University

Portland, OR

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School designation

PSU is a nationally recognized College of Distinction

Training

Bachelor of Music in Composition focused on concert music and developing your individual compositional voice

Individualized one-on-one composition instruction in an inclusive, collaborative environment

Write for and collaborate with PSU's diverse community of student performers

Study begins with applied lessons and music theory, with composition coursework starting in the third year

Location

Located in the heart of Portland's performing arts district, steps from the Oregon Symphony

Supportive, non-competitive community atmosphere

Weekly studio classes for peer performance and feedback

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.37

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

53%

Enrollment

13.2K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$12,999

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$34,599

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$32,199

Before aid

Average net price

$9,552

After aid

Cost Attendance · pdx.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 7, 8:06 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School designation

PSU is a nationally recognized College of Distinction

Training

Bachelor of Music in Composition focused on concert music and developing your individual compositional voice

Individualized one-on-one composition instruction in an inclusive, collaborative environment

Write for and collaborate with PSU's diverse community of student performers

Study begins with applied lessons and music theory, with composition coursework starting in the third year

Location

Located in the heart of Portland's performing arts district, steps from the Oregon Symphony

Supportive, non-competitive community atmosphere

Weekly studio classes for peer performance and feedback

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School designation

PSU is a nationally recognized College of Distinction

Training

Bachelor of Music in Composition focused on concert music and developing your individual compositional voice

Individualized one-on-one composition instruction in an inclusive, collaborative environment

Write for and collaborate with PSU's diverse community of student performers

Study begins with applied lessons and music theory, with composition coursework starting in the third year

Location

Located in the heart of Portland's performing arts district, steps from the Oregon Symphony

Supportive, non-competitive community atmosphere

Weekly studio classes for peer performance and feedback

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App Coalition App

Fee

$60

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Fall 2027 Priority DeadlineMar 1, 2027

First-year applicants

Fall 2027 First-Year Application DeadlineAug 1, 2027

Transfer applicants

Fall 2027 Transfer Application DeadlineSep 1, 2027

Deadlines · pdx.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The audition may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

$35

Auditions

Priority Scholarship Consideration DeadlineFeb 8, 2027

In-person audition by appointment (rolling)

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded audition submission (rolling)Rolling

Music Auditions · pdx.edu

Audition Requirements

This program has a required admission audition and a separate internal portfolio gate after enrollment. The gateway source documents the post-enrollment gate; admission requirement details may be separate.Gateway source

Portfolio

Portfolio contents — three to six original compositions representing a range of genres and styles

Portfolio scores — legible scores for acoustic works

Portfolio recordings — recordings where available

Portfolio submission form — completed submission form; transfer and returning students also include an unofficial transcript

View · drive.google.com

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to PSU via Common App or school website

Submit a secondary application to the School of Music & Theater via Acceptd

Rolling admission — students can apply at any time up until the start of first term

Apply to both PSU and the School of Music & Theater before scheduling an audition appointment

Composition coursework begins in the third year; students enter the School of Music via the entrance audition and submit composition materials for area review before officially declaring the major

Music theory and aural-skills placement may be assessed at orientation for course placement only — it does not affect admission

Transfer Pathway

PSU publishes a Music Transfer Advising Guide with direct core and composition-course equivalencies from regional community colleges. Composition transfer applicants submit a portfolio and may be conditionally admitted pending performance-studio placement and the required performance audition.

Music Transfer Guide · pdx.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Schedule an in-person audition by appointment with the appropriate area coordinator; appointments are available year-round with limited summer availability

Alternatively, submit an unedited video recording with the music application

Apply and audition by the priority scholarship deadline for scholarship consideration

Upload a recorded audition (video preferred) with the School of Music & Theater application, or request an in-person audition

Applicants are not admitted to the School of Music & Theater until they pass the entrance audition

Apply to the Composition major during spring term of the sophomore year after completing MUS 240, MUS 241, and MUS 242

Complete the upper-division exam in the performance area; transfer students may be admitted conditionally pending placement at the 390 performance level

Contact

Composition Program Coordinator: Bonnie Miksch (bonnie@pdx.edu)

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Over 150 music scholarships totaling more than $400,000

Awards range from $1,500 to full tuition

Available for both in-state and out-of-state music majors

Students accepted to the School of Music & Theater are automatically considered

Scholarship Timeline

Must submit all application materials and audition by Audition Weekend (or earlier) for first-round awards

Complete FAFSA and PSU Scholarship Universe application

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.37

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

53%

Enrollment

13.2K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$12,999

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$34,599

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$32,199

Before aid

Average net price

$9,552

After aid

Cost Attendance · pdx.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School designation

PSU is a nationally recognized College of Distinction

Training

Bachelor of Music in Composition focused on concert music and developing your individual compositional voice

Individualized one-on-one composition instruction in an inclusive, collaborative environment

Write for and collaborate with PSU's diverse community of student performers

Study begins with applied lessons and music theory, with composition coursework starting in the third year

Location

Located in the heart of Portland's performing arts district, steps from the Oregon Symphony

Supportive, non-competitive community atmosphere

Weekly studio classes for peer performance and feedback

Updated Sep 7, 8:06 PM