Music, BM Concentration
Theory & Composition
Sharpen your creativity and explore the structure behind the sound.
Program Overview
The Music Theory & Composition concentration within the Bachelor of Music degree is built for students who want to explore how music works and how to make it their own. Whether you’re interested in writing original works or diving deep into analysis and pedagogy, this program gives you the tools to understand, create, and communicate music at a professional level.
This concentration offers two distinct tracks – Composition or Theory – each tailored to support your academic interests and career goals. Both tracks include individualized instruction from world-renown faculty, advanced music coursework, and performance training through your studio and ensemble participation.
Two Concentration Tracks
Composition Track
For students passionate about writing and creating original music. This track emphasizes the development of a strong, personal compositional voice, with ample opportunities for your music to be performed, recorded, and critiqued. You’ll take specialized courses in:
- Sound synthesis and recording
- Computer music transcription
- Counterpoint and orchestration
- Three years of weekly composition lessons with an active composer
- A senior composition recital of original works
Theory Track
For students interested in the analytical and academic side of music. This track prepares you for graduate work in theory, musicology, or pedagogy — and helps you develop the skills needed to teach, research, and present musical ideas with clarity and depth. You’ll take specialized courses in:
- Advanced music analysis
- Choral and instrumental arranging
- Orchestration and recording techniques
- A practicum in music theory pedagogy, assisting faculty in undergraduate instruction
Why study Theory & Composition?
- Two unique tracks: Composition or Theory, tailored to your interests
- Weekly private lessons with composition faculty or close mentorship with theorists
- Regular opportunities to showcase original work or present academic research
- Emphasis on technology, creativity, and communication
- Be a part of a collaborative, intellectually curious community of creators and scholars
What can you do with a Music Composition & Theory concentration after graduation?
A degree in Music Composition & Theory doesn’t have to lead straight into graduate school unless you want it to. At the University of Tennessee, we prepare students for both academic and professional success, including real-world careers you can pursue right after graduation. Whether your passion lies in creating new music, supporting productions, or working behind the scenes, you’ll gain the skills to thrive in a variety of creative roles. Potential career opportunities include:
- Composers and arrangers (media, concert, film, game)
- Music Editor for Film/TV
- Arts Administration or Program Coordinator
- Sound Designer or Audio Content Creator
- Freelance Composer or Songwriter
- Music Publishing or Licensing Assistant
Featured Courses
Specific courses are dependent on the student’s chosen track (composition or theory). Visit the undergraduate catalog for more information: Composition Track or Theory Track.
MUTC 290 Sound Recording Techniques
Theory and applications of tape recording’s sound reproduction and reinforcement systems. Topics include room acoustics, audio measurements, microphones, studio and real-time processing, noise reduction, mixing, editing, monitors, system wiring, and maintenance.
MUTC 330 Interactive Game Audio
Exercise in notation, playback, and publishing incorporating elements of word processing, graphic design, sequencing, and page layout. Study of Music Instrument Digital Interface protocol as it applies to computer music work station design.
Project-based course in building audio files and music for gaming with a focus on varying technologies and practices. Real-world experience in working with digital audio workstations, sound editing software, and authoring software that centralize all aspects of audio creation for interactive game music. Experience with digital audio workstations suggested.
MUTC 340 Introduction to Computer Music Transcription
Exercise in notation, playback, and publishing incorporating elements of word processing, graphic design, sequencing, and page layout. Study of Music Instrument Digital Interface protocol as it applies to computer music work station design.
MUTH 420 Orchestration
Advanced techniques in instrumental writing with emphasis on scoring for the concert orchestra.
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue a music degree is an important decision and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
Questions? We’re here to help. Contact our admissions team at [email protected].
