Music Theory - M.A.

Program Overview

It combines foundational undergraduate skills with advanced courses that focus on music literature, analytical techniques, and pedagogical strategies. The program prepares graduates for doctoral study or teaching careers in music theory and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts degree in Music Theory is designed to enhance music theory abilities of advanced students and to prepare them for admission to doctoral study. Based on a solid undergraduate music degree, the master's degree further develops abilities in music theory, including analytical, aural, written, keyboard and pedagogical skills. The program further develops breadth and depth in the area of Western music history and literature.

Outline:

Major Requirements:

• MUS 58251 PEDAGOGY OF MUSIC THEORY: 2 credit hours
• MUS 62411 MUSIC BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH METHODS: 2 credit hours
• Advisor Approved Music (MUS) Elective: 3 credit hours
• Advisor Approved Music Ensemble: 2 credit hours
• Music Theory Electives (choose from the following): 19 credit hours
• MUS 51141 16TH-CENTURY COUNTERPOINT
• MUS 51151 18TH-CENTURY COUNTERPOINT
• MUS 61121 HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY
• Music History Electives (choose from the following): 6 credit hours
• MUS 52131 MUSIC OF THE UNITED STATES
• MUS 52161 HISTORY OF JAZZ
• MUS 52181 POPULAR WORLD MUSIC
• MUS 62171 MUSIC FROM WORLD CULTURES
• Culminating Requirement:
• MUS 68199 THESIS I: 26 credit hours

Minimum Total Credit Hours:

30

Notes:

Selection of music theory course is based on students' result from the theory placement exam. In the case of the exam results placing a student into MUS 51011 and/or MUS 51012, these courses will not count towards the M.A. degree and must be taken in addition to the music theory requirements. All students writing a thesis must pass a final oral examination covering the thesis and the student’s major area of study. The final oral examination may be attempted two times.

Assessment:

• Program Learning Outcomes:
• Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods, and communicate results in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrate and apply functional aural, written and keyboard skills.
• Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.

Careers:

• Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary: 5.6% faster than the average, 116,300 number of jobs, $69,690 potential earnings
• Music directors and composers: 1.7% slower than the average, 58,000 number of jobs, $52,250 potential earnings

Other:

• The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
• The program is delivered in person on the Kent Campus.
• The program has rolling admissions for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.