Toho Gakuen School of Music

Programme overview

This programme trains composers and sound designers to create music and audio for animation, film, television, internet, games and stage works (musical, dance, theatre). The curriculum balances traditional composition technique and instrumental practice with digital and analogue production skills, and emphasizes hands‑on collaboration across art faculties.

What you'll study

Core instruction centres on composition techniques and sound design, taught through individual lessons and ensemble performances. Students also study:

• MSD演習 (Music & Sound Design exercises) covering ecriture (basic and applied), orchestration, sound design and recording/PA;
• Recording techniques and music technology, including location recording, advanced editing and mixing under experienced engineers;
• Computer music, jazz and pop theory with practical training;
• Music theory overview, music history, and solfège (two subjects required);
• Theory piano sequence (Theory Piano B①–B④);
• Study of Japanese or world traditional/folk music as required;
• Joint-production subjects (MSD共同制作Ⅰ・Ⅱ・Ⅲ) and a graduation work involving collaborative creation and an orchestral or ensemble-based performance assessment.

Entry requirements

The source page lists this as a faculty major (音楽学部 音楽学科 作曲専攻〈MSD〉). Specific admission requirements are not detailed on the provided text; prospective applicants should consult the school for entrance exam, audition and application procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as composers and sound designers for animation, film, television, internet content, games and stage productions (musicals, dance, theatre). Training in recording, mixing and music technology also supports roles in audio production and studio work.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The programme description does not list scholarships. Applicants should contact the university’s admissions and student support offices for current scholarships, tuition assistance and funding options available to enrolled students.