Program Overview
The Master of Music in Music Theory is a rigorous academic program for students who want to deepen their understanding of music’s inner structure and meaning. Whether your goal is scholarly research or excellence in theory instruction, this program equips you with the skills to analyze, teach, and contribute to the evolving discipline of music theory.
Students choose between two focused tracks:
Theory & Analysis
Designed for those interested in scholarly research and writing.
Theory Pedagogy
Ideal for those focused on developing skills for teaching music theory.
Across both tracks, you’ll engage in advanced coursework in analysis, theory pedagogy, technology, bibliography, musical styles, and musicology. You’ll also gain real-world experience through a practicum assisting in undergraduate theory instruction.
Your studies will culminate in a capstone project tailored to your track. The capstone project is the completion of two scholarly papers (suggested: 5-8k words) on research topics related to music theory. Each paper must be completed as part of credits achieved through the two, 3-credit thesis (MUSC 500) courses. The two papers need not be entirely new research topics; they may stem from course papers or independent study projects.
Why study Music Theory?
- Choose a track that matches your academic and professional interests
- Build advanced analytical and research skills
- Engage in coursework that bridges music theory, pedagogy, and technology
- Work closely with faculty on a capstone thesis or teaching-focused project
- Prepare for doctoral study or teaching positions at the college level
What can you do with a Music Theory concentration after graduation?
While many graduates pursue doctoral study, the degree also prepares you for a range of academic, creative, and professional opportunities in and beyond the classroom. Whether you’re interested in teaching, publishing, or arts leadership, you’ll graduate with versatile skills that translate across the music field. Career paths for MM in Music Theory graduates include:
- College-level instruction in theory, aural skills, or music appreciation
- High school teaching (including AP Music Theory) in arts-focused programs
- Curriculum development for music publishers or education technology platforms
- Academic advising or arts administration roles in universities or nonprofits
- Music engraving, editing, or digital content creation
- Private tutoring or coaching for college-bound music students
Featured Courses
Specific courses are dependent on the student’s MM concentration. Visit our Graduate Degree Requirements for more information.
MUSC 520 Analytical Techniques 1
Materials and analysis of tonal music in a variety of styles from the Baroque to the present day. Topics may include tonal, style, and Schenkerian analysis; phrase rhythm; psychological approaches; and narrative theory.
MUTC 520 Film Scoring
Development of basic musical and technological skills required to compose music for use with visual media. Projects may include a theme for a television program, an introductory theme for a film, music for a pre-existing action scene, music for a pre-existing commercial, and music for a short film or animation. Also includes an overview of masterpieces of media scoring.
Meet the Faculty
Our music theory faculty are dedicated scholars, skilled educators, and active contributors to the field. With expertise spanning analysis, pedagogy, technology, and historical theory, they mentor students through rigorous coursework, individualized research, and hands-on teaching opportunities.
Nathan Fleshner
Associate Dean of Research & Facilities, Associate Professor of Music Theory
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue an advanced 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.
There is a Composition/Theory Graduate Teaching Assistantship open for 2026-2027. Click the link to learn more.
