MA/MS in Composition

The MA programme in composition at the Iceland University of the Arts is an international, English-language course of 120 ECTS over four semesters, run by the Department of Music. Students develop their artistic and theoretical work in a creative and critical setting, drawing on the professional experience and knowledge of the teaching staff. Each student has individual lessons from a composition tutor and joins shared composition classes. Professional musicians give workshops in which student works are rehearsed and discussed, and the group meets weekly to analyse notable pieces, discuss research or debate artistic and professional topics. Over time students define their own area of research and creation. The programme ends with a master's project consisting of a piece of music and a written paper. The weighting can favour either the composition or the paper, or concentrate almost entirely on the practical work, and the Caput Ensemble can perform a student's final work at a graduation concert.