Composition

Faculty of Music, Department of Performance & Composition, Composition

Learning Features

Respect free thought
Emphasis on learning through demonstration
Learn the basics of composition, such as style and instrument writing

Create unique works based on free thinking

We respect "individual freedom of expression" and aim to allow students to express themselves freely through music. Until the second year, students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for self-expression and hone their own ideas and musical judgment. From the third year onward, students can further specialize by choosing from the "Contemporary Music Creation Course," which involves creating cutting-edge works; the "Composition Theory Course," which involves learning diverse compositional methods and styles in greater depth; or the "Applied Music Course," which provides practical training in composing and arranging music for film, games, and musicals.

Class and Activity Introduction

Contemporary Music Performance Practice

This course focuses on works composed since the 20th century, exploring various performance techniques and notation methods. The goal is to deepen understanding of the composer's intentions, ideas, and compositional style, and to reflect this understanding in performance.

Composition Theory Seminar

This compulsory course Composition Theory Course will refine your harmonic and counterpoint techniques, while honing your compositional techniques based on historical styles from Baroque to modern times.

Practical Music Seminar

This is a required subject Applied Music Course. It aims to cultivate composers who can immediately contribute to the field through practical content such as creating demo tapes, analyzing film music, and providing music for anime (in collaboration with Tama Art University).

in Focus - Kikitsutawarumono, Kikitsutaerumono

This concert series features performances of masterpieces of contemporary music and new works by composition faculty members. The performances are given by students enrolled in the Composition course "Contemporary Music Performance Practice" and other performance-oriented students at the university. The 20th concert in 2025 featured two Japanese premieres of works by Professor Toshio Hosokawa, a visiting professor at the university, as well as works by young domestic and international composers whom Professor Hosokawa has been paying attention to, giving a glimpse into the new trends in contemporary music.

Student's Voice

The opportunity to hear my own work in live sound is
This will lead to even greater growth.

Takuma KAMIMURA
Department of Performance & Composition Composition Senior
Seibu Gakuen Bunri High School, Saitama

To compose music, it's essential to first understand the fundamentals. In "Harmony" and "Counterpoint" classes, we learn the basics of composition theory, analyze existing classical music, and see how theory is actually applied. I was reminded once again that famous pieces are indeed based on a thorough understanding of music theory. Furthermore, at Kunion, we can compose music in a wide variety of genres, not just contemporary or avant-garde pieces. In Applied Music Course, which can be chosen from the third year, we create music for films and other incidental music, as well as background music for games. Moreover, Composition at Kunion have many opportunities to present their own compositions, and being able to hear them as live sound rather than just on a computer screen leads to even greater growth.

Faculty Message

Learn a lot from making lots of mistakes.

Kazuki KURIYAMA
Composition
Specialty: Composition and Music Theory

What I value most in my classes is learning through personal experience and failure. If you do things exactly as they are from the start, you won't gain any insights or feel any sense of wonder, so I try not to give you the answers as much as possible. In the working world, mistakes at work are not tolerated, so it's important to make lots of mistakes while you're a student. Kunio's Composition has small class sizes, creating a calm environment for studying. It's great that you can learn practical things while maintaining an academic atmosphere.

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As a child who loved watching TV, it was only natural that I wanted to compose music for television programs. I spend weeks composing dozens of songs for a TV score, but I'll never forget the joy of hearing my own music played and heard for the first time. That feeling is what motivates me to continue working in this field.

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He graduated from the composition department Kunitachi College of Music College of Music and completed his postgraduate studies in composition theory at the same university. He obtained a doctorate in film music research from Osaka University Graduate School. He mainly works as a composer for television and film music, including NHK's historical dramas and morning dramas. His publications include "Techniques of Film Music" (Ongaku no Tomo Sha).

Specialization

Educational Goals

In this program, students will systematically acquire the skills, knowledge, culture, and experience necessary for creating musical works, thereby exploring the possibilities of original expression and cultivating talent who can contribute to the development of society and culture as composers, arrangers, and other creators who combine free thinking with aesthetic sense, or as experts in composition theory and solfege, depending on their individual aspirations.

Admissions Policy

We are looking for people who have basic knowledge of composition, including harmony, and a desire to express themselves through music.

Curriculum Policy

In the introductory course, students will develop their fundamental creative skills through studies of harmony, counterpoint, instrumental music, computer use, etc., while in the specialized course, they will study highly specialized content in line with each student's interests and direction, across a variety of genres (contemporary music, composition theory, practical music) and categories (orchestra, chorus, wind band, etc.). In both courses, there are many opportunities for performances, including the annual "Performance Review," allowing students to gain practical experience in "putting a work into sound." There are also many concerts planned by the department and lectures featuring external lecturers, allowing students to gain a broad perspective on creativity and expression.

Diploma Policy

Acquire the basic skills to work as a composer, arranger, or instructor of composition theory and solfège.
Acquire the ability to act courageously and confidently in society as creative artists and educators, according to their own aspirations and aptitudes.