About the course

As a leader in the burgeoning field of intercultural composition, the UH Mānoa composition program is designed to engage students not only with music from the Western tradition, but also the rich variety of multicultural resources that is shaping and defining the 21st century.

　　The program aims to develop a strong technical foundation while simultaneously encouraging students to seek their own unique compositional voices. Students work with each of the faculty composers, receiving a variety of perspectives and feedback on their music and enabling them to glean from each faculty member that which is most useful for them as individual developing composers.

　　With its groundbreaking focus and its unparalleled resources in intercultural composition, UH Mānoa offers students a truly unique educational experience.

　　Much more than just a stunningly beautiful place with a year-round moderate climate, Hawai‘i consists of a rich mix of people representing cultures from all parts of the world. With its large population of East Asian descent, Honolulu provides many opportunities for interested students to learn about the cultures of Japan, China and Korea in particular.

　　In addition to its setting within the community, the composition program benefits from its setting within the university as well, building on and complementing the longtime strength of the ethnomusicology program, which is renowned for its focus on musics of Asia and the Pacific. Composition students may participate in regular ensemble course offerings in Koto, Shakuhachi, Okinawan Jamisen &, singing, Gagaku, Chinese Ensemble, Korean Ensemble, Gamelan (Java and Bali), Hawaiian Chorus, Hawaiian Ensemble, Hula &, Chant, Samoan Ensemble, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar and Tahitian Ensemble, as well as standard Western offerings such as Contemporary Music Ensemble, Chamber Music, Choirs, Orchestra, and Band.

　　In addition, the ethnomusicology and composition programs are host to a number of accomplished student performers of Asian instruments, currently including guzheng, erhu, ajaeng, gayageum, janggu, pansori voice, shakuhachi and taiko. The opportunity for composition students to collaborate with these musicians, many of whom are actually professional performers in their own right, is unmatched by any other school in the U.S.

　　The new music scene in Honolulu revolves primarily around the composition program, which regularly works with ensembles, organizations, and individuals in the community, the U.S. and the world to present concerts and other events. Frequent performances of faculty works also enable composition students to witness the professional collaboration between composer and performer. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 6 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Spring (January), 2024	Honolulu
Fall (August), 2024	Honolulu
Spring (January), 2025	Honolulu
Fall (August), 2025	Honolulu
Spring (January), 2026	Honolulu

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Hawaii - Manoa

A master’s degree in composition or equivalent, in terms of course work and original compositions. A score of a large-scale work, scores of two shorter works, and a recording of at least one of the above. Evaluation of these scores will constitute one part of the applicant’s doctoral qualifying exam in composition (part 3).

　　Applicants for admission to the PhD program must present:

　　a master’s degree in music (in the area of emphasis) or equivalent,

　　an excellent academic record,

　　two copies of a transcript from each post secondary institution attended

　　(official transcripts sent directly from the institution in a sealed institutional envelope must be submitted after the student is admitted, transcripts are not required for any coursework completed at any of the UH campuses since Graduate Admissions will obtain UH transcripts on behalf of applicants.),

　　three confidential letters of recommendation (not more than two years old) on forms provided by the music department,

　　a sample of academic writing proficiency such as a recent term paper, and

　　for non-native speakers of English a TOEFL score of 560 or better.

　　TOEFL score of 560(P), 220(C), or 83(I). At minimum, the applicant needs to demonstrate above average academic performance (B average, usually a 3.0 on a 1.0-4.0 scale) for undergraduate course work and for any post-baccalaureate or graduate course work.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 83.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomes

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　201st / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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