Composition Portfolio Guidelines

Applicants to the Bachelor of Music in Music Composition and the Master of Music in Music Composition programs are asked to submit a portfolio of from three to five pieces showing the range of music created by the composer. Portfolios displaying a variety of types of works are preferred: from solo, to ensemble, to electronic, to works with media.

Music that can be notated (conventionally or non-conventionally) should be submitted in Adobe PDF format as a publication ready document. A recording of the piece may also be provided in mp3 format for audio only or mp4 format for audio with video. No audio of MIDI playback (such as Sibelius or Finale playback) should be sent unless the MIDI playback represents the final version of the piece.

Works for which notation is not relevant or impossible to provide (such as with some works employing electronics or improvisation) need to include a representative recording of the piece and a description of the work as well as any instructions that might be provided to a performer (if appropriate).

Please submit your portfolio using this SlideRoom link (there is a $10 fee).

The deadline to receive portfolios for Spring admission is November 15. The priority deadline for applicants for the Fall is March 1. A late portfolio review for Fall will take place in May. The deadline for this review is May 1.

Important Reminder

The portfolio review only allows a person to major in music composition if accepted by Brooklyn College. Applicants must complete the appropriate application to Brooklyn College in addition to submitting a composition portfolio.