Majoring & Minoring: Concentrations: Theory & Composition

The Music Theory/Composition concentration is intended for students who wish to pursue music theory and/or composition as a career, with the aim of preparing them for further study at the graduate level.

After grounding in traditional tonal harmony, specific topic areas such as species counterpoint, Baroque counterpoint, Classical sonata form, and nineteenth- and twentieth-century techniques are addressed in the core theory sequence. Ear-training is an integral part of the program. Student composers work in individual or small group lessons with faculty and guest composers and have many opportunities to hear their works performed.

Additional course requirements

26 semester hours, including six hours from Music Theory 76-531, 532, 533; 76-343, 953; 12 additional hours of Music courses above the introductory level (additional hours of Composition strongly recommended); two additional semesters of a required Ensemble. The Capstone experience is fulfilled in one of the following three ways: a junior or senior recital, a public lecture, or another project approved in advance by the Music Department.