24 monthsProgramme duration
AugStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
MMusic
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Small class sizes and seminar formats allow undergraduate and masters level students ample time for collaborative discussion with faculty and peers, giving a firm foundation in music theory for teaching, performance, or future study.
The School of Music offers a comprehensive course of study in music theory, instructing music students from all areas in all stages of their academic career, undergraduate through doctoral. In theory classes, music students delve beneath a surface appreciation of performance to gain deeper insight into the underlying design of a piece of music. In combination with the knowledge and skill development students receive in their history, composition and performance classes, this theoretical understanding ensures the success of graduating music students.
In addition to the general theory classes required of all undergraduate music majors, the school offers a bachelor’s degree in music theory that allows students to complete a special research project under the tutelage of a faculty mentor.
The master’s degree in music theory lays a foundation for further graduate study for students interested in pursuing a university teaching career. Small class sizes and seminar formats allow students ample opportunities for collaborative discussion that strengthens analytical skills. From studies in form and Schenkerian analysis to post-tonal topics, our courses are geared toward current research that addresses important developments in the music theory field. Students take an intensive seminar in music theory pedagogy in preparation for a faculty-supervised student teaching experience of entry-level theory courses. Graduates leave well-prepared to enter a competitive PhD program.
Theory Area faculty speak about their research and theory-related topics as part of the school's Fridays w/Faculty lecture series and also invite academics from other universities to speak on special topics.
The MM is a two-year, 32 credit hour program consisting of bibliography, music history and literature, and advanced music theory. A master's thesis is required.
The School of Music offers a comprehensive course of study in music theory, instructing music students from all areas in all stages of their academic career, undergraduate through doctoral. In theory classes, music students delve beneath a surface appreciation of performance to gain deeper insight into the underlying design of a piece of music. In combination with the knowledge and skill development students receive in their history, composition and performance classes, this theoretical understanding ensures the success of graduating music students.
In addition to the general theory classes required of all undergraduate music majors, the school offers a bachelor’s degree in music theory that allows students to complete a special research project under the tutelage of a faculty mentor.
The master’s degree in music theory lays a foundation for further graduate study for students interested in pursuing a university teaching career. Small class sizes and seminar formats allow students ample opportunities for collaborative discussion that strengthens analytical skills. From studies in form and Schenkerian analysis to post-tonal topics, our courses are geared toward current research that addresses important developments in the music theory field. Students take an intensive seminar in music theory pedagogy in preparation for a faculty-supervised student teaching experience of entry-level theory courses. Graduates leave well-prepared to enter a competitive PhD program.
Theory Area faculty speak about their research and theory-related topics as part of the school's Fridays w/Faculty lecture series and also invite academics from other universities to speak on special topics.
The MM is a two-year, 32 credit hour program consisting of bibliography, music history and literature, and advanced music theory. A master's thesis is required.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Music
Degree
MMusic
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Small class sizes and seminar formats allow undergraduate and masters level students ample time for collaborative discussion with faculty and peers, giving a firm foundation in music theory for teaching, performance, or future study.
The School of Music offers a comprehensive course of study in music theory, instructing music students from all areas in all stages of their academic career, undergraduate through doctoral. In theory classes, music students delve beneath a surface appreciation of performance to gain deeper insight into the underlying design of a piece of music. In combination with the knowledge and skill development students receive in their history, composition and performance classes, this theoretical understanding ensures the success of graduating music students.
In addition to the general theory classes required of all undergraduate music majors, the school offers a bachelor’s degree in music theory that allows students to complete a special research project under the tutelage of a faculty mentor.
The master’s degree in music theory lays a foundation for further graduate study for students interested in pursuing a university teaching career. Small class sizes and seminar formats allow students ample opportunities for collaborative discussion that strengthens analytical skills. From studies in form and Schenkerian analysis to post-tonal topics, our courses are geared toward current research that addresses important developments in the music theory field. Students take an intensive seminar in music theory pedagogy in preparation for a faculty-supervised student teaching experience of entry-level theory courses. Graduates leave well-prepared to enter a competitive PhD program.
Theory Area faculty speak about their research and theory-related topics as part of the school's Fridays w/Faculty lecture series and also invite academics from other universities to speak on special topics.
The MM is a two-year, 32 credit hour program consisting of bibliography, music history and literature, and advanced music theory. A master's thesis is required.
The School of Music offers a comprehensive course of study in music theory, instructing music students from all areas in all stages of their academic career, undergraduate through doctoral. In theory classes, music students delve beneath a surface appreciation of performance to gain deeper insight into the underlying design of a piece of music. In combination with the knowledge and skill development students receive in their history, composition and performance classes, this theoretical understanding ensures the success of graduating music students.
In addition to the general theory classes required of all undergraduate music majors, the school offers a bachelor’s degree in music theory that allows students to complete a special research project under the tutelage of a faculty mentor.
The master’s degree in music theory lays a foundation for further graduate study for students interested in pursuing a university teaching career. Small class sizes and seminar formats allow students ample opportunities for collaborative discussion that strengthens analytical skills. From studies in form and Schenkerian analysis to post-tonal topics, our courses are geared toward current research that addresses important developments in the music theory field. Students take an intensive seminar in music theory pedagogy in preparation for a faculty-supervised student teaching experience of entry-level theory courses. Graduates leave well-prepared to enter a competitive PhD program.
Theory Area faculty speak about their research and theory-related topics as part of the school's Fridays w/Faculty lecture series and also invite academics from other universities to speak on special topics.
The MM is a two-year, 32 credit hour program consisting of bibliography, music history and literature, and advanced music theory. A master's thesis is required.
Admission Requirements
80+
6.5+
3+
110+
To be considered for admission to the MM in Theory, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements: 1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in music from an accredited institution. a. Exceptions are rare and require the applicant to seek an Exception to Graduate Admission Policy. Please email [email protected] for more information. 2. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all previous collegiate work. 3. International applicants must meet university English proficiency requirements. The School of Music requires higher scores on the TOEFL and IELTS exams. a. TOEFL: 85 composite score, with a minimum score of 20 in each category b. IELTS: 6.5 band score, with a minimum of 6.0 in each category. Master of Music: Theory Program Guidelines Revised August 1, 2025 Submit the following as part of the online Graduate Admissions application: 1. Transcripts of course work from all schools attended. 2. Three letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and/or other professionals qualified to judge the applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate studies. 3. Statement of Purpose, including future goals. 4. Samples of past written work such as term papers or the results of independent research in subjects of a music theoretical nature. Note: Applicant’s application will be reviewed by a committee of faculty members within the theory area.
2 Years
Aug
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
- Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
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