Composition & Electronic Music
The USF Composition and Electronic Music department and SYCOM studios include first-rate facilities and comprehensive curricula in electronic and acoustic composition. Student composers have opportunities to work closely with performers and hear their works, ranging from large ensemble to solo works, in a variety of settings. Students looking to focus their study at the USF Composition and Electronic Music Department can do so at an undergraduate level with the Bachelor of Music degree in Acoustic & Electronic Composition, or at a graduate level with either the Master of Music degree in Composition or the Master of Music degree in Electro-Acoustic Music.
In addition, the students enrolled in these degree programs regularly interact with a variety of professional guest composers. Recent guests have included Augusta Reed Thomas, Louis Andriessen, Robert Morris, Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, Stuart Saunders Smith, and David Liptak. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary works, USF Composition and Electronic Music students regularly collaborate with local and on-campus art galleries, theater and dance productions.
Students of the department have recently been recognized by national and international organizations, such as BMI, Vox Novus, Feis Ceoil Irish National Music Festival, ASCAP, SEAMUS, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, International Tuba and Euphonium Association, and the Lexington Philharmonic. Graduates of the program have been accepted to further their study at schools such as Eastman School of Music, NYU, Mannes Conservatory, New England Conservatory, McGill University, Brooklyn Conservatory, and Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
For more information, please contact Professor Paul Reller.
SYCOM at USF
Directed by Professor Paul Reller, SYCOM (Systems Complex for the Recording and Performing Arts) is a suite of electronic music studios at the University of South Florida’s School of Music offering a Bachelor of Music degree in Acoustic & Electronic Composition and a Master of Music degree in Electro-Acoustic Music. The suite includes two surround-sound rooms, a collection of midi controllers, vintage and modern analog equipment, and professional-grade recording technology.
Through SYCOM and degree programs in electronic music and electro-acoustic music, there are many options for students interested in electronic music recording and performance. From an introductory course in electronic music to courses in live, interactive performance, SYCOM offers a seven-semester sequence that covers analog synthesis, digital sequencing and signal processing, surround-sound mixing, and real-time programming.
Former students of SYCOM have carried out computer-music events throughout the United States and have continued their studies at many first-rate institutions. Works presented on past SYCOM concerts have been recognized with awards by record labels and international prizes. The SYCOM studios, part of the USF Composition department, includes state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive curricula in electronic and acoustic composition.
Composition Faculty
Thank you for your interest in studying composition at the University of South Florida. Please take the time to peruse this website, and learn about USF's distinctive curriculum that balances compositional studies, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary collaborations, music technology, and philosophical thought. The USF composition faculty have designed a program of study that prepares composers for the many paths ahead. Alumni of this program have continued their studies at first-rate schools and have received many of the top honors given to student composers. Students of the USF Composition Program regularly enjoy performances of their works on campus, at local venues, and at festivals throughout the world. Recent graduates have been accepted to such schools as Eastman School of Music, NYU, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Mannes Conservatory, New England Conservatory, and McGill University.
The USF School of Music, Composition Program, offers a BM in Acoustic and Electronic Composition and a MM in Composition.
Paul Reller, Associate Professor of Composition
Phone: (813) 974-2387 | reller@usf.edu
Online Portfolio Submission Form
Learn more about how to submit a composition portfolio
Undergraduate Catalog
Prospective and current students can learn more about the program by visiting the undergraduate catalog.
How to Apply & Audition
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the College of The Arts site to learn more about the admissions and application process.