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Master's Degree in Music Theory

The Master's Degree in Music Theory provides students with the opportunity to engage in deep analytical and interpretive study of music, in dialogue with performance, musicology, cognitive science, pedagogy, new media and other fields. The degree equips students for theory teaching and original research and prepares them for advanced doctoral study. Students benefit from the vibrant and collegial environment of the College of Music with access to elective courses in performance, composition, musicology, music education, music entrepreneurship, musician’s wellness and other fields.

Master of Music in Theory degree requirements >>

Opportunities for TAships

The College of Music offers merit based aid in the forms of scholarships and teaching assistantships in Music Theory. Teaching Assistants perform various essential duties, including teaching courses related to the undergraduate theory core and in music technology.

  • An interview in person is highly recommended for those applying for a Theory Assistantship. The interview will include sight-singing, demonstration of keyboard skills (harmonic progressions, simple keyboard textures, etc.), as well as discussion of the applicant’s theory and teaching background. To schedule an interview, please email the Music Theory department chair.

Visit the Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships page for more information >>

Theory placement criteria

In the fall, all incoming first-year music majors are required to take the theory placement examination. This is scheduled the week before classes begin. The examination takes about an hour, and comprises written theory and aural skills portions. Topics include key signatures, scales, intervals, triads and seventh chords, rhythm and meter, Roman numerals, and melodic and harmonic dictation. Students are not expected to know all this information: the test assesses students’ current familiarity and facility with theory fundamentals. From the results, we can appropriately place students in first-year theory core courses either at the intensive or mainstream level. Students can prepare for the placement exam by studying a fundamentals text or website (some of which include aural skills lessons and reinforcement). See the lists below for some suggestions.

Advanced placement music theory students

Students who earn a composite score of 4 for AP Music Theory are generally exempt from first-semester theory core courses. Those with a score of 5 are generally exempt from the entire first year of the theory core. These students are still required to take the placement exam so that we can confirm their knowledge and skill levels.

Websites

  1. Ricci Adams’ MusicTheory
  2. TobyRush.com
  3. Open Music Theory
  4. Good Ear
  5. Aural Idiom Drill
  6. The Musical Mind

Self-study textbooks (edition number is not especially significant because this topic does not change much)

  1. "MFun" interactive text, published by MacGamut
  2. Scales, Intervals, Keys, Triads, Rhythm, and Meter by John Clough and Joyce Conley, published by Norton
  3. Basic Materials in Music Theory: A Programmed Approach by Greg Steinke and Paul Harder, currently published by Pearson
  4. A Creative Approach to Music Fundamentals by William Duckworth, currently published by Schirmer