研究生作文的学生可以接受高度个性化的教育，包括独立学习课程，其重点是您自己和McKinley博士之间要确定的主题。这建立在音乐学院独特的课程交付，私人指导和具有挑战性的音乐课程的基础上，鼓励作曲家探索和追求音乐世界的方方面面，而与音乐世界无关“风格。”研究生作曲家还可以参加音乐学院的年度新音乐节，该节为公开创作原创作品提供了机会。另外，许多作曲学生有机会与受人尊敬和成就卓著的客串作曲家一起工作。
Graduate composition students are assured of a highly personalized education including an independent study course focused on a subject to be determined between yourself and Dr. McKinley. This builds upon the Conservatory's unique course delivery, private instruction and challenging music courses, where composers are encouraged to explore and pursue the world of music in all its aspects, regardless of musical ''style.'' Graduate composers additionally may participate in the conservatory's annual New Music Festival, which provides an opportunity to have original compositions performed publicly. Many composition students additionally have the opportunity to work with respected and accomplished guest composers.