Composition at Lehigh

The Composition program at Lehigh is where theoretical mastery meets creative discovery. We view composition not just as an academic exercise, but as a path to finding your unique musical voice. Our curriculum is designed to give you the tools to be successful—from the rigorous counterpoint of the Baroque era to the limitless possibilities of modern digital audio workstations.

Whether you aspire to write for the concert hall, the film screen, or the choral stage, we provide the foundational craft and the creative freedom to help you realize your vision.

A Foundation in Craft: 1600–1900

We believe that to break the rules effectively, you must first master them. Our core composition sequence begins with Compositional Practices (MUS 243), where students deconstruct the masterworks of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras.

• Form and Analysis: You will move beyond theory to practice, writing original two-part inventions, fugues, and sonata-allegro movements.
• The Art of the Song: Explore the essential relationship between text and melody, learning the nuances of vocal writing, phrasing, and instrumental accompaniment.

The Modern Frontier: 20th Century & Beyond

As we move into the modern era, the musical canvas expands. In Twentieth Century Composition and Orchestration (MUS 253), students explore the radical shifts in harmony, rhythm, and timbre that defined the last century.

• Orchestration: Learn the technical ranges and "colors" of every instrument in the orchestra, moving from solo writing to complex full-ensemble textures.
• Digital Tools: We integrate modern technology into the creative process, utilizing industry-standard notation software to create professional-grade scores ready for the music stand.

Composition and Technology

At Lehigh, the "composer’s desk" often includes a computer. Our Music Technology sequence (MUS 141 & 142) bridges the gap between traditional composition and modern production. Students learn the essentials of sound recording, multitrack mixing, and mastering, allowing them to produce high-fidelity recordings of their own works.

Jazz and Commercial Music

For students interested in the vibrant world of contemporary jazz, our Jazz Theory and Composition courses provide a deep dive into the harmonic language of the 20th and 21st centuries. You will learn to write for small jazz combos and large big bands, focusing on the intersection of structured arrangement and spontaneous improvisation.

The Capstone: Bringing Your Vision to Life

The journey for many of our composition students culminates in a Senior Capstone Project (MUS 370). Working one-on-one with a faculty mentor, you will spend a year developing a major original work or a professional portfolio.

• Professional Realization: We believe that new music deserves to be heard at its best. To support the realization of your vision, internal grant funding provides opportunities specifically to engage professional musicians for capstone projects. This allows students to collaborate with world-class performers and secure high-fidelity recordings of their work.
• From Page to Stage: In addition to professional collaborations, we strive to provide opportunities for student works to be read or performed by our campus ensembles, providing the invaluable experience of hearing your music come to life in a live setting.
• Portfolio Development: Whether you are applying to graduate school or pursuing a career in film scoring or production, your capstone serves as a showcase of your artistic growth at Lehigh.

Start Creating

The Music Department is a laboratory for new sounds. We invite you to join our community of creators.

Interested in starting? Enroll in Elementary Harmony (MUS 081) to build your foundational skills.

Ready to compose? Talk to our faculty about becoming a music major or minor.