Composition Department

Composition Department • Careers in Composition • Composition Major  • Courses • Faculty

The department also offers advanced training in orchestral conducting.

A faculty of twenty-five active composers and conductors, many with national and international reputations, guide you in preparing for a career as a professional writer.

Gregory Fritze Chair B.M., Boston Conservatory of Music M.M., Indiana University Performer with the Boston Ballet, Rhode Island Philharmonic, and other orchestras Fulbright scholar to Spain Compositions published by Seesaw Music, Tuba Press, and Musica Nova Recipient of a Walt Disney Fellowship and a Meet the Composer grant Recipient of several composition awards from ASCAP, first prize in T.U.B.A. composition contest, and 1996 composition award "Menzione d'Onore del Premio" from Accademia Angelica Constantiniana Performer and clinician in the United States and worldwide Compositions performed nationally and internationally Recordings on Mark Records, Crystal Records, and CRI
James Smith Assistant Chair B.M., University of Memphis M.M., Catholic University of America D.M.A., Boston University Composer of various chamber, orchestral, and commercial musical works Assistant conductor, Arlington Philharmonic Active freelance percussionist with the Boston Ballet, Harvard Chamber Orchestra, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, and others Member of Dinosaur Annex contemporary music ensemble

Composition Department Facilities and Resources

• Professional Writing Division MIDI Lab: This lab consists of 12 fully configured workstations and a separate similarly equipped studio for live overdubbing to provide you with hands-on access to professional music technology.
• Berklee Performance Center and Recital Halls: These performance venues are available to you throughout the year for recitals and concerts.
• Recording Studios: Each of the college's 10 recording facilities is outfitted with professional-level equipment configured to meet a variety of teaching and recording needs.

Every year the Professional Writing Division and Composition Department organize a series of faculty and student concerts, showcasing faculty and student compositions and arrangements.

For further information about the Composition Department, please e-mail composition@berklee.edu or call (617) 747-2452.