Welcome to Music Composition, Theory & Technology at UT

The Composition, Theory & Technology Area at the University of Tennessee brings together musical creativity, scholarly inquiry, and hands-on technical skills. Whether you’re a composer, theorist, producer, or interdisciplinary thinker, this area provides the training, tools, and mentorship to help you develop your voice and shape your future in music.

Student working on soundboard technology

Our Academic Programs

Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate study in the following areas:

Undergraduate Programs

Our undergraduate degrees in composition and theory provide a strong foundation in musical structure, creativity, and analysis.

Majors



Minors

We offer minors in Music Theory, Music Composition & Music Technology

Graduate Programs

Our MM programs in Composition and Music Theory offer advanced training in creative work, research, and teaching. Students deepen their technical expertise and gain experience presenting their work through performances, lectures, and academic writing.

Certificate Programs

Undergraduate and graduate students can enhance their degrees with certificate programs. These focused credentials provide specialized training. Click the links below to learn more about curriculum options.

Undergraduate

Graduate

Meet the Faculty

Jon Clark


Adjunct Instructor of Short Form Music for Television

Meet Professor Clark

Nathan Fleshner


Associate Dean of Research & Facilities, Associate Professor of Music Theory

Meet Professor Fleshner

Ryan Lindveit


Teaching Assistant Professor of Music Theory & Composition

Meet Professor Lindveit

Nathan Madsen


Adjunct Instructor of Music and Audio for Video Games

Meet Professor Madsen

Barbara A. Murphy


Associate Professor of Music Theory

Meet Professor Murphy

Jennifer Salamone


Teaching Assistant Professor of Music Theory

Meet Professor Salamone

Andrew Sigler


Area Coordinator of Music Theory, Composition, and Technology; Associate Professor of Music Composition

Meet Professor Sigler

Robert Sivy


Teaching Associate Professor of Music Theory

Meet Professor Sivy

Jorge Variego


Assistant Professor of Music Composition and Technology

Meet Professor Variego


Labs & Technology Access

Students in Music Composition, Theory & Technology have access to specialized lab spaces equipped for analysis, recording, synthesis, scoring, and more.

Computer Lab (Room 11, HMC)

Our main computer lab includes 18 iMacs, each outfitted with professional music software and hardware, made possible through UT Student Technology Fee funding. Every workstation includes:

  • Finale & Sibelius
  • Logic Pro X
  • East West Composers Collection Pro
  • East West Symphonic Orchestra & Ministry of Rock II
  • Auralia (ear training)
  • Microsoft Office
  • Piano keyboard
  • Internet access

This lab supports coursework in music theory, composition, ear training, and music technology.

Composition Lab (Room 40, HMC)

This flexible teaching and production space is used for classes such as:

  • MUTC 290: Sound Recording
  • MUTC 390: Sound Synthesis
  • MUTH 451: Intro to Computer Music

The lab features a regularly updated range of audio and video hardware supporting:

  • Music synthesis
  • Film scoring
  • Electroacoustic composition
  • Virtual audio modeling
  • The Electroacoustic Ensemble
  • SuperCollider programming

These labs allow students to explore sound design, composition, and media creation in a professional environment with hands-on tools.

UT Contemporary Music Festival

Held each spring, the UT Contemporary Music Festival celebrates new and experimental music through performances, workshops, and scholarly presentations. Students gain valuable experience by engaging with guest composers, performers, and scholars from around the world, expanding their understanding of contemporary music in both academic and creative contexts.

Interested in UT Music Composition, Theory & Technology?

Schedule a Music Major for a Day Experience or Building Tour!

Get a true sense of what it’s like to be a music major at UT! Sit in on classes, attend rehearsals, meet with the professors, and tour our beautiful facilities.

Learn How To Apply

Whether you’re applying as a first-time college student, transfer student, or graduate student, admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is a multi-step process that includes applying to the University of Tennessee and to our college. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships each academic year. 

Assistantships carry a waiver of the university tuition, pays for mandatory university fees, medical coverage, and carries a monthly stipend.