Program Overview
The Bachelor of Music in Music Theory program at Ohio State University equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in music theory, aural training, and music history. Graduates are prepared for careers in music education, performance, research, and other music-related fields. The program emphasizes musicianship, creativity, and composition, and offers opportunities for students to engage in research, present their work, and perform in ensembles.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Theory program at Ohio State University provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for various music-related careers. The program emphasizes musicianship, creativity, and composition through courses in theory, aural training, and music history. Graduates are prepared for further studies in graduate school or careers in music education, performance, or research.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate professional competence in the field of music theory.
- Engage in advanced coursework and research to develop expertise in music theory.
- Communicate musical ideas effectively to professionals and laypeople.
- Gain knowledge and experience in pedagogical methodologies.
- Understand the nature of the music field, including organizational structures, work ethics, and entrepreneurial skills.
Outline:
- Required Courses:
- First- and second-year music theory and aural training
- Music History
- World Music
- Ensemble
- Lessons on principal instrument (two years)
- Minor instrument (piano if not the principal instrument)
- Keyboard Harmony
- Beginning conducting
- Orchestration, counterpoint, composition
- Extended tonality, theory and analysis, theory electives, advanced counterpoint
- Senior project: paper and presentation
- Program Structure:
- The program typically takes four years to complete.
- Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Students must complete a senior project, which involves writing a paper and presenting it to the faculty.
- Individual Modules:
- Music Theory: Covers fundamental concepts of music theory, including scales, chords, intervals, and rhythm.
- Aural Training: Develops the ability to identify and transcribe musical sounds.
- Music History: Studies the history of music from ancient times to the present day.
- World Music: Explores the diverse musical traditions of cultures around the world.
- Ensemble: Provides opportunities to perform in a variety of ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, and chamber groups.
- Lessons: Students receive private lessons on their principal instrument and a minor instrument.
- Keyboard Harmony: Develops skills in playing and analyzing music on the keyboard.
- Beginning Conducting: Introduces the fundamentals of conducting.
- Orchestration, Counterpoint, Composition: Provides advanced studies in orchestration, counterpoint, and composition.
- Extended Tonality, Theory and Analysis: Explores advanced topics in music theory, including extended tonality and Schenkerian analysis.
- Senior Project: A culminating project that allows students to demonstrate their research and writing skills.
Assessment:
Assessment methods may include:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Homework assignments
- Projects
- Presentations
- Performances
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, and one-on-one instruction.
- Faculty: The program's faculty consists of renowned scholars and musicians who are actively involved in research and performance.
- Unique Approaches: The program offers opportunities for students to engage in research, present their work at conferences, and perform in a variety of ensembles.
Careers:
Graduates of the program may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Music education
- Music performance
- Music research
- Music composition
- Music theory
- Music librarianship
- Arts administration
- Nonprofit management