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I don’t think there has ever been a better time to be in the Music Composition for the Screen MFA program at Columbia College Chicago. I feel so lucky to be here, and it just keeps getting better. But seriously…the program is really at a high point, and here’s why:

Firstly, we are in great hands with the program directors. David and Gary have vast experience and are great teachers. And, if you’ve been reading my posts about Richard McHugh, you’ll know that he adds a great element to the team. I feel like you need an understanding of three things to be a successful composer: 1) lyrical, orchestral composition; 2) digital composition; and 3) current industry connections. Check it out:

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Don’t get me wrong, they all have industry connections. But, Richard is in the thick of it right now. We come to class and he shows us his process of working on cues for current films and promos he’s doing. It’s incredible.

You may not know it, but the program directors are different now than they were two years ago. Columbia was searching for a new director, and David, who had been teaching at NCUSA for the past fifteen years, was a prime candidate. He came down and accepted the job that same day. Everything just clicked, and let’s face it, he’s the real deal. Before he left, he was on a committee choosing who his replacement would be. After going through a number of applications, they selected Gary Chang to take over there. After a series of events, David needed another program director to work with him at Columbia. So what does David do? He offers Gary the job. Gary took it (an easy choice), and here they are, the cream of the crop. They are in their second year teaching together, they have an excellent rhythm, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Look at it this way, last Fall David and Gary went through the most amount of applications Columbia has ever received for the Music Composition for the Screen MFA program—twice as many as the program has ever received. Perspective students know that these two directors are bringing excellent opportunities and connections to the program.

So head on over to start your application and get it done early! Don’t miss out on this amazing time to be at Columbia!