Department of Composition
Head of the Department:
Prof. dr. Ričardas Kabelis
E-mail: ricardas.kabelis@lmta.lt
Address:
Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Building 1
Gedimino Ave. 42, 01110 Vilnius, Lithuania
Room 201 (Eduardas Balsys’ Auditorium)
Composition Department
Over the past decade, the Composition Department has become a prominent center for academic and digital composition studies in Lithuania and Europe. The department brings together experts in musical creativity, advancing the vision of a modern school of composition, fostering cutting-edge artistic and educational synergies, and strengthening the development of artistic leadership competencies in study, artistic, and research processes. The Composition Department, in collaboration with the Music Innovation Studies Center, implements three continuously updated study and artistic research programmes:
- Bachelor’s (BA) in Composition – Specialisations: Composition and Electronic Music;
- Master’s (MA) in Composition – Specialisations: Academic Creativity and Digital Technologies;
- Doctoral (PhD) in Arts – Development and implementation of specialized music research and creative projects.
Bachelor’s Studies in Composition
The bachelor’s programme provides students with practical and theoretical foundations in composition, offering insights into both historical and contemporary trends in composition and electronic music. Professional composition skills are developed through global modern trends, technological literacy in music, and the implementation of creative projects.
Master’s Studies in Composition
The master’s programme offers an advanced qualification in digital technologies and academic creativity, equipping students with professional skills for independent creative work. The application of composition skills and the ability to execute creative projects ensure successful professional careers in the contemporary music scene both in Lithuania and abroad.
Doctoral Studies in Arts
Doctoral studies focus on high-level artistic and research projects under the guidance of recognized LMTA and international music professionals. Doctoral candidates develop methodologies and directions for specialized music research, have their works performed at contemporary music festivals, and gain teaching experience by assisting department lecturers. A successfully defended doctoral project and the acquired Doctor of Arts degree grant the right to teach at music and arts academies in Lithuania and Europe.
The Attractiveness of Composition Studies
All study levels encourage students’ active engagement in the music composition process while ensuring a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Student creative activities are organized in collaboration with LMTA’s social partners. The study process includes visiting composition lecturers from European music academies, and students gain international experience through Erasmus and other mobility programmess at partner music academies. Professional creative training is enhanced by participation in:
- International New Music Festival “Druskomanija” (premieres of up to 10 student and doctoral compositions annually);
- Choral Composition Competition “Vox Juventutis” (student and doctoral choral compositions performed by the Vilnius Municipality Choir “Jauna Muzika,” with publishing and dissemination managed by the Lithuanian Music Information Centre);
- Electronic Music Specialization Final Works (implemented in the LMTA Julius Juzeliūnas Spatial Sound Sphere);
- Academic Composition Bachelor’s Thesis Performances (performed by the Vilnius St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra);
- Academic Composition Master’s and Doctoral Thesis Performances (performed by the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra).
The department currently consists of 50 students and 12 lecturers. Individual practical and theoretical lessons are conducted by renowned composers from Lithuania and abroad, including four recipients of the Lithuanian Culture and Arts Award, five professors, four associate professors, and three lecturers; six faculty members hold PhD degrees in humanities or arts. Faculty members conduct composition masterclasses at European music academies, participate as jury members in international composition competitions, and implement various educational, scientific, and artistic initiatives, such as:
- National Student Music Composition Competition “Mano Nata”;
- International Theoretical Conference “Principles of Music Composition”;
- Choral Composition Competition “Vox Juventutis”, among others.
Over the past four years, students and doctoral candidates from the department have received 12 international composition competition and festival awards. Their creative work is documented in author albums and vinyl records.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates of the Composition programme pursue careers in music creation and dissemination both in Lithuania and internationally, working on commissioned music projects, creative residencies in arts institutions, and artistic career development. Professional composers are often invited as experts, heads of musical institutions and research centers, festival organizers, and cultural managers. They consult for national and international music agencies, associations, and dissemination networks, teach composition at music schools, conservatories, or academies, form and lead ensembles, establish private music publishing companies, and hold responsible positions in government or public administration institutions.
Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students (2 BSI*/month);
- Doc. Adeodatas Tauragis Scholarship for outstanding academic performance (2.5 BSI/month);
- Senate Scholarship for exceptional academic, creative, and research achievements (3.1 BSI/month);
- One-time scholarships for active artistic and creative activities (up to 7 BSI per semester);
- Doctoral scholarships funded by the Lithuanian Research Council (19–22 BSI/month) and academic travel grants.
*BSI – Basic Social Allowance, as of 01.01.2024 – 55 EUR.