Composition at the Peabody Conservatory

Composition students pursue their studies in private lessons with their individual teachers, supplemented by a weekly departmental seminar attended by all the composition faculty and students, with regular presentations by distinguished visiting composers.

The Peabody Composition Department operates under the practical philosophy of learning music composition by hearing one’s works performed. Therefore, the department attempts to have all compositions which are written under faculty supervision performed or read at the Conservatory as soon as possible following completion.

The department maintains a list of excellent singers and instrumentalists from the Conservatory student population. The performers on this roster are paid to read and record student compositions, thus ensuring professional attitudes and commitment toward the student composers. There are several readings of orchestral works by the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, a choral reading, and a wind ensemble reading each year.

Recitals of student chamber compositions are scheduled regularly by the Composition Department, and may also be scheduled by individual teachers and students. In the senior year, every composition major is required to present a complete recital of his or her compositions. Student orchestral works are read each season by the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. All of these recitals and readings are professionally recorded by the Peabody Recording Studios.

The Composition Department at Peabody has thus insured that this department is fully integrated into the performing framework of the Conservatory. For young composers who wish to learn by hearing their works performed and applying that immediate feedback for future growth, Peabody offers excellent opportunities.

Click here to see the on-line resources provided by the Composition Department.

Faculty