Comps projects may arise from course work, recitals, and/or independent study. The project may be:

1. A thesis-driven research paper of substantial length on a theoretical, historical, ethnomusicological, critical, or performance-related subject.

2. A lecture/performance consisting of a performance of and lecture on a significant work or works, accompanied by a paper of moderate length.

3. An original composition accompanied by a related paper of moderate length.

Comps projects require careful planning — not all students will be able to undertake a comps project in the area of their special interest. The student's choice of courses during his or her first, sophomore, and junior years will have an impact on what comps projects may be open to him or her. Good communication between student and faculty members, especially those faculty members who may serve as comps advisor(s), is essential.

As can be seen, all comps tracks involve written work to a significant degree. In each paper an examination of some secondary sources is expected, although the number of secondary sources will vary depending on the nature of the project. In all projects, what is expected is a well-written paper as well as (where appropriate) a carefully prepared performance or composition.

The Department offers many classes and performance opportunities which will prepare the student for his or her comps project. The following list illustrates likely courses of study beyond the music major required curriculum for various comps projects:

• A paper on a Musicological subject
  Relevant area courses such as Introduction to Opera (120), Symphonies from Mozart to Mahler (122), Jazz History (130); Medieval and Renaissance Music (210); relevant applied study; Independent Study (291/391)
• A paper on a Theoretical or Analytical subject
  In addition to the required courses in theory, (200, 201, 202) and Music of the 20th Century I/II (203/303), the courses in particular areas of musical literature may be helpful (for example, From the Delta to Chicago (131), Introduction to Opera (120), and The Piano in Society: from Mozart to the Avant-garde (125)). Likewise, courses in Ethnomusicology (e.g., 245), and in subjects such as The Perception and Cognition of Music (227) and TV and New Media (242) may also be useful; relevant applied study; Independent Study (291/391)
• A paper on an Ethnomusicological subject
  Additional area courses in Ethnomusicology and Musicology; courses in Anthropology, Sociology or Area Studies (such as African/American Studies, Latin American Studies, Asian Studies, etc.); relevant applied study and/or ensembles (such as African Karimba, African Mbira, African Drum, Chinese Instruments, American Folk Instruments); Independent Study (291/391)
• A Composition project and paper
  Orchestration (225); Composition (285/286)
• A Solo Lecture/Performance project and paper
  Relevant area courses such as Survey of Piano Music (124); intensive study on one's instrument or voice (that is, a year or more of 4-credit lessons); Independent Study (291/391)
• A Conducting Lecture/Performance project and paper
  Conducting (128); Orchestration (225); relevant area courses such as Symphonies from Mozart to Mahler (122); Independent Study (291/391)