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Dr. Robert Maggio, Chair, 610-436-2646
Students of the Music Theory and
Composition Department aspire to become college-level
instructors, freelance composers, and arrangers.
Attending WCU's Department of Music Theory and
Composition is an ideal path towards this goal.
Our students study with an approachable
and experienced faculty of nationally-recognized
professional performers, composers, theorists,
and music educators. They encourage students to
find their own voice in their compositions and
research interests. Student composers write in
a wide variety of styles and are given a great
amount of personal attention in one-on-one lessons.
Elective course offerings allow
students to customize a program that fits their
needs and interests. Topics in music theory have
ranged from The Psychology of Music to Interactive
Computer Music. The weekly seminar in Composition
features performances of students’ works
and presentations by guest composers. Past guest
speakers have included Jennifer Higdon, Daniel
Asia, Robert Carl, Barbara White, Jay Reise, Anna
Weesner, Thomas Whitman, Daniel Dorff, James Freeman,
Tina Davidson, David Conte, Haskell Small, Curt
Caccioppo, and Jennifer Barker.
Having your compositions performed
provides valuable insight into your work. We hold
reading/recording sessions of student compositions
by professional ensembles every year, featuring
such ensembles as The Colorado String Quartet,
Network for New Music, Orchestra 2001, and Strata.
Readings are also available through the local
chapter of the American Composers Forum, including
sessions with The Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia,
Relache, Orchestra 2001, and Network for New Music.
The department coordinates concerts of new music
each semester, featuring new compositions by student
and faculty composers, performed by the New Music
Ensemble (a collection of student and faculty
performers). In addition, students have the opportunity
to work with the University Theatre program.
The low tuition and housing costs
are a bargain, in some cases a tenth the cost
of other music programs. West Chester’s proximity
to Philadelphia allows students to take in the
rich and diverse culture of this world-class city.
We enjoy good facilities, including a multitude
of air-conditioned practice rooms, resonant large
spaces for recording sessions and concerts —
the Choral Room, Swope Hall, and the Philips Library.
Graduates from our program have
gone on to graduate study in composition and music
theory at Peabody Conservatory of Music, University
of Illinois/Champagne-Urbana, University of Oregon,
University of Texas/Austin, University of Pennsylvania,
Temple University, University of Southern California,
SUNY/Pottsdam, and to successful careers as freelance
composers and arrangers.
The department is committed
to providing the finest instruction in music theory and
musicianship to all students in the School of Music,
especially those who are planning to become music educators.
Dr. Robert Maggio
Chair
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