MUSIC THEORY, COMPOSITION, & Technology
For students interested in writing their own music, analyzing the music of others, how music connects with other disciplines in the arts and sciences, or teaching music theory, the University of Tennessee College of Music offers both graduate and undergraduate programs in music theory, composition, and theory pedagogy.
Undergraduate Degrees
The Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Theory and Composition has two tracks – one in theory and one in composition. Both tracks provide students with experience in the analysis and composition of music.
BM in Music Theory/Composition – Composition track
Students in the composition track take specialized courses in sound synthesis, sound recording techniques, computer music transcription, counterpoint, and orchestration, and serve a practicum in music theory. Composition students have three years of weekly composition lessons with an active composer and, in their senior year, present a recital of their compositions.
BM in Music Theory/Composition – Theory track
Students in the theory track take a variety of analysis courses, orchestration, sound recording, computer music transcription, and one year of composition lessons. Theory students also take courses in choral arranging, instrumental arranging, theory pedagogy, and serve a practicum in music theory working with theory professors. Theory students also write a thesis on a topic of their choice in their last semester.
Minors
Minors are offered in Music Theory, Music Composition, and Music Technology.
The Music Theory minor is offered for those students wishing to know more about music analysis, but not necessarily wanting to write music.
The Music Composition minor is offered for those students wanting to learn to write music, but not make composition their major.
The Music Technology minor is offered for those students wishing to focus on using technology to create and study music.
Both theory and composition minors take
- Music Theory I-IV
- Ear training I-IV
Theory minors also take at least 2 upper division music theory classes of their choosing.
Composition minors also take at least 2 years of composition lessons and one semester of electronic composition.
Graduate Degrees
At the graduate level, separate Master’s degree programs are offered with a specialty in composition or music theory. A Certificate Program in Music Theory Pedagogy is also available.
Music Theory & Composition students usually continue their studies through the doctoral level and seek jobs teaching theory or composition in higher education. Some graduates choose to seek careers composing or arranging music for films or TV.
MM in Composition
The Master of Music in Composition includes courses in analytical techniques, music theory pedagogy, and musicology as well as private composition lessons with the goal of writing a major work for the thesis.
MM in Theory
Students in the Master of Music in Theory program take courses in analysis, theory pedagogy, technology, musicology, musical styles and bibliography. The Masters of Music in Theory students select from two specific tracks:
- Theory and analysis track
- Theory pedagogy track
The capstone project for the theory and analysis track includes a written thesis on an analytical topic, similar to a scholarly article suitable for a music theory related journal such as the Journal of Music Theory, Theory and Practice, or Music Theory Spectrum. The final thesis for the pedagogy track is a paper similar to one in a more pedagogical journal, such as the Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy.
Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy
The Certificate Program in Music Theory Pedagogy is an add-on certificate available to graduate students already in a Masters of Music program at the University of Tennessee and as a stand-alone certificate for educators looking to further their pedagogical skills. Once finished with the program, students will have the knowledge and practical experience needed to teach high school or undergraduate courses in music theory.
Meet Our Faculty
Nathan Fleshner
Interim Associate Dean of Research & Facilities, Associate Professor of Music Theory
Andrew Sigler
Area Coordinator of Music Theory, Composition, and Technology; Associate Professor of Music Composition
Labs
Our computer lab (room 11 HMC) has 18 iMac computers purchased through funds provided by the UT Student Technology fee. Each computer is equipped with:
- Finale
- Sibelius
- Logic Pro X
- East West Complete Composers Collection Pro Hard Drive
- East West Symphonic Orchestra
- East West Ministry of Rock II
- Auralia
- Internet access
- Microsoft Office
- Piano keyboard
Composition Lab
Our composition lab is housed in a classroom (room 40 HMC) used for classes such as MUTC 290: Sound Recording, MUTC 390: Sound Synthesis, and MUTH 451: Introduction to Computer Music.
The lab is equipped with a wide variety of regularly updated hardware to support audio and video for classes such as music synthesis, composition class, supercollider, flim scoring, virtual audio modeling, and the electroacoustic ensemble.
Diagnostic Tests
When graduate students enter the University of Tennessee College of Music, they must take a theory diagnostic exam.
Music Theory Diagnostic Exam
The Music Theory Diagnostic Exam will be taken at UT on the day designated for Diagnostic Exams (usually the Monday before classes start).
The test consists of:
- Section 1: analyze and resolve chromatic chords; part-writing with chromatic chords/modulation
- Section 2: analyze chords in a short example
- Section 3: provide textbook versions of various forms; provide form for a short piece.
Test will be graded holistically and students will be given a grade of pass or fail. If a student passes the diagnostic exam, they may take their 500 level theory class. If they receive a failing grade, they must take MUTH 400: Grad Theory Review.
MUTH 400 will be offered each fall semester.
See here for information on transfer placement tests.
Music Technology Minor
The Music Technology Minor is an excellent for opportunity for students majoring in any discipline, including those outside of music. Students take classes in recording, scoring for media and games, sound synthesis, audio modelling, and more, and they are encouraged to participate in the Electroacoustic Ensemble.
