Students begin the Music Theory major in the third year, following approval by the Music Theory department chair. To begin the Music Theory major, students must pass a second-to-third-year promotional in their applied area.
The Music Theory major may only be pursued as a double-major, alongside continued fulfillment of the requirements for an undergraduate major in an applied area.
Degree Requirements: Catalog Year 23-24 and Prior
Studio (credits vary according to instrument)
| | 12-30 |
| THYU 100 | Studio Music Theory | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 26-38 |
THYU 100 (12-16 credits; first semester of third year optional)
Music Theory
| MTHY 101 | Music Literacy and Musicianship I | 3 |
| MTHY 102 | Music Literacy and Musicianship II | 3 |
| MTHY 111 | Analysis and Composition I | 2 |
| MTHY 112 | Analysis and Composition II | 3 |
| MTHY 201 | Music Literacy and Musicianship III | 3 |
| MTHY 202 | Music Literacy and Musicianship IV | 2 |
| MTHY 211 | Analysis and Composition III | 3 |
| MTHY 212 | Analysis and Composition IV | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
As of Fall 2024, MTHY 211 and 212 are no longer offered. Students will take MTHY 215 in place of these earlier requirements.
Additional undergraduate or graduate theory courses by advisement*
Music History (GE)
| MHST 111 | Introduction to Musical Styles | 2 |
MHST
| Electives | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
As of Fall 2024, MHST 111 is no longer offered. Students will take MHST 111a in place of this earlier requirement.
Liberal Arts and Modern Languages (GE)
| LARTS 111 | College Writing | 2 |
| LARTS 221 | Liberal Arts Seminar | 2 |
| LARTS or Modern Languages Electives | 17 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
As of Fall 2024, LARTS 111 and LARTS 221 are no longer offered. Students who need to fulfill one or both of these requirements will take LARTS 111a instead.
Entrepreneurial Musicianship (GE)
| ENTP 351 | The Entrepreneurial Musician | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
Ensemble**
General Education Electives (GE)***
Free Electives
Project
| THYU 498 | Senior Project | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
*One course must include a composition project; one course must be in counterpoint; and one course must be in 20th- to 21st-century music
**Determined by applied instrument/voice and/or ensemble audition
***Additional required Liberal Arts, Music History and approved Music Theory courses
Additional Requirements
- 40 credits of General Education Courses (GE) required
- Analytical or compositional project in fourth year
- Portfolio of theoretical work from the third and fourth years if requested by department (THYU 497)
Degree Requirements: Catalog Year 24-25
Major Area
Beginning with Catalog Year 24-25, the requirements listed here are ONLY those associated with the fulfillment of the requirements for the Music Theory double-major in the third and fourth years of study.
These requirements assume simultaneous fulfillment of the ALL requirements for the student's applied major, including the Conservatory's expectation of 40 credits of General Education (GE) coursework and a minimum of 120 credits overall as required for all students in the Bachelor of Music. Students are encouraged to speak with members of the Academic Advising team to ensure full understanding of the requirements for the Music Theory double-major.
Studio
| THYU 100 | Studio Music Theory | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12-16 |
Students must take at least three semesters of Music Theory Studio (THYU 100), beginning in the second semester of their third year and continuing for both semesters of the fourth year. Completion of an additional semester of Music Theory Studio in the first semester of the third year is options.
Music Theory Studio involves regular, one-on-one consultation with a member of the Music Theory faculty leading to preparation of a portfolio of theoretical work (THYU 497) if requested by the department and an analytical or compositional project (THYU 498) in the fourth year.
Music Theory
| Music Theory Electives | 12 |
| THYU 497 | Junior / Senior Portfolio | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Requirements listed here are IN ADDITION TO the standard undergraduate Music Theory requirements and presume successful completion of the following courses during the first and second years of study:
Additional courses in Music Theory as required for the double-major should be selected in consultation with your faculty advisor and can include both undergraduate and graduate courses, as appropriate. Of these courses, one course must include a composition project, one course must be in counterpoint, and one course must be in 20th- to 21st-century music.
Capstone
| THYU 498 | Senior Project | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Additional Requirements
- 40 credits of General Education Courses (GE) required. General Education Courses meet the learning outcomes as determined by the Conservatory in consultation with our accreditors and include ALL courses in Liberal Arts, Modern Languages, Music History, and other courses as specifically identified as "General Education (GE) Eligible" in the course catalog or the semesterly course schedules. The number of General Education elective credits as set for each major ensures that all students will meet this 40 credit threshold, with GE credits being earned through the fulfillment of requirements in specific areas (i.e. LARTS & MHST), and additional electives that are designated as "General Education (GE) Eligible."
| General Education |
|
| LARTS 111A |
3 |
| MHST 111A |
3 |
| LARTS or Modern Languages Electives |
15 |
| MHST Electives |
9 |
| Practical Artistry |
2 |
| Second-Year Learning Community |
3 |
| General Education Electives |
5 |
| |
40 |