Music Composition

OBU’s Music Composition program offers a transformative educational experience that will empower you to become a skilled composer and musician while nurturing your artistic vision and passion for music. With a focus on individualized instruction, you'll have the opportunity to express yourself creatively and collaborate with other musicians as part of a comprehensive music degree program.

Seth Wright

Class of 2015

“College was a great time of growth for me. I was nurtured and mentored by some outstanding music professors who created meaningful opportunities for me. They equipped me to think strategically, not only in my field of study, but also in my faith.”

Read Seth’s Story

Benefits of OBU Music Composition Program

Students like you who display remarkable talent and exhibit expertise in various art forms, aspiring to integrate them seamlessly in their artistic endeavors. The Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition offers an exclusive opportunity to embrace an interdisciplinary approach that excels in both comprehensive scope and profound insight.

Excellent Preparation for Graduate School

If you are focused on preparation for graduate programs in composition or other music-related fields this OBU Division of Music degree is for you. But the reach of this degree extends beyond that.

Preparation for Many Career Choices

Our composition degree has proven to be a versatile springboard for numerous career paths. As a composition student, you will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes composition classes, private composition lessons, and specialized courses covering counterpoint, orchestration, style analysis, contemporary analysis, and an introduction to synthesis (electronic music). This diverse range of studies equips you with a strong foundation in music composition and opens the doors to a wide array of exciting opportunities after graduation.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

One-on-One Study

We place an emphasis on writing music for various configurations and in different styles with unique opportunities for one-on-one study with professors and the performance of your original works. 

Career Opportunities

Recent graduates are attending graduate school in music composition, attending seminary, teaching in higher education, working with professional orchestras, composing music for films and videos, teaching music in public schools, working in churches and studying or working abroad.

Faith Integration

You will be guided by faculty members who are professional, compassionate and committed to the call of Christ and to your success and growth. Our faculty at OBU integrate faith and learning in their discipline. This helps our purpose to equip the next generation of future shapers to live all of life for Jesus.

Music Ensemble Opportunities

Vocal Ensembles

Instrumental Ensembles

Small Ensembles

Individual and Personal Attention

Class sizes are small and you can build relationships with your classmates and professors that will last long after you leave Bison Hill.

Faculty Mentors

You will be guided by faculty members who are professional, compassionate and committed to the call of Christ and to your success and growth.

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Patty K. Nelson

Dr. Patty K. Nelson

Chair, Division of Music
Associate Professor of Music Education

Division of Music

Become a Future Shaper