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Skoða vefinn á ÍslenskuComposition MA/M.Mus
The international MA programme in composition enables the student to develop his/her artistic and theoretic activity in a creative and critical environment, with acces to the staff's wide professional experience and theoretic knowledge, and supported by an inspiring learning community.
Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of instruction.
About the programme
Each student attends private lessons with a composition tutor, but students also interact with each other in group lessons led by a composition teacher. The school collaborates with professional musicians who give workshops where student's works are rehearsed and discussed. Besides this, students meet once a week to either analyse notable compositions, discuss their research or having formal discussions on artistic or professional topics of their own choice. Gradually, each student defines his/her own field of research and creation and finishes the programme with a Master's project composed of a musical composition and a paper. The proportion of the two varies according to the needs of each student: a) A 20 credit composition and a 10 credit paper b) A 10 credit composition and 20 credit paper, or c) a final project which focuses largely on the practical output. In that case the composition should amount to 26 credits and is supported by a four credit reflection on the student's personal creative process. Students have the opportunity to have their final project performed by the Caput Ensemble at a graduation concert.
Study structure
The compulsory courses mostly take place during the first term. These are, beside the composition lessons, a course in sound technology, either electronic or instrumental, a course on artistic research, a course on music analysis and an introduction to research on Icelandic music. The programme offers a number of elective courses such as on the intersection of music and other arts, on critical art practices, on film scoring, orchestration and vocal and choral textures. Furthermore, within the department, there is a big variety of courses, such as participation in the department's experimental music ensemble and a course on video editing among other things. The third term offers, if required, a specialised support to the student's own research. The department is regularly involved in international collaborations, and students can apply for taking a term as exchange students abroad at one of thirty affiliated institutes of the IUA.
After graduation
After the studies the student should have the theoretic and technical basis fitting his/her creative activity. The programme is also intended to strengthen the student's grip on music in general, be it for the interpretation, research, commenting, mediation or teaching of music. The possible field of action is therefore wide, besides opening up the possibility to proceed to a PhD programme abroad.
Application process
Information about the application and admission process for international master's programs is in English only.
Iceland University of the Arts employs a standard electronic application form.
The application process is in two steps, first submit the application and then pay the application fee. Please note: It is possible to save the application while working on it.
Admission Process
An admission committee assesses applications on the grounds of assessment of the submitted material, the applicant's motivation and aim with studying at the Iceland University of the Arts and the interview(s) with the applicant.
Open for applications
10. February 2025
Application deadline
April 8th, 2025
Applications answered
May / June 2025
Price list
Application
An application is not valid until the applicant has submitted the application and paid the application fee. Applicants must submit the following documents:
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1. Certified copy of degree certificate(s) and program / course transcript(s) (PDF)
RequiredApplicants should submit a detailed record of higher education up to the present, including programs of study taken and grades achieved. This may be submitted in Icelandic or English. -
2. Reference from one referee (PDF)
RequiredApplicants must submit one reference. The reference should not exceed one page. The reference can be submitted in Icelandic or English. Former students of the IAA do not have to submit a reference.
Applicants add the referee (name and email) in the application form. When applicants have submitted the application, the referee will receive an email from the IAA asking him/her to submit a reference for the applicant.Applicants will receive a confirmation when the referee has submitted the reference. -
3. Letter of Motivation (PDF)
RequiredThe Letter of Motivation should be written in English. -
4. Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
RequiredApplicants must submit a CV of relevant education and professional experience, language proficiency and general information about the applicant. The CV should be written in English. -
5. Portfolio of works (PDF/URL)
RequiredA portfolio of 5 scores with or without audio files is required for applicants in instrumental composition.Applicants in electronic composition and sound art must submit 5 works.Applicants for interdisciplinary studies (composing for film, theater etc.) must submit 5 original works. -
Admission Requirements
Applicants will have completed a BA degree in composition or related fields of art and musical theory.Those applicants who do not have a BA degree in composition can be admitted to the program provided that they demonstrate a knowledge and technical ability of musical composition. -
Language Requirements
The Master Program of Composition is an international program conducted in English.Students must be proficient in spoken and written English in the academic context. If there is doubt concerning language skills, applicants may be required to submit evidence of English proficiency.
