Music Theory, M.M.
The M.M. in Music Theory requires 34 credit hours. Thesis and non-thesis options are offered. At least one half the course work credited toward the degree must be in 600-level courses or above. A diagnostic examination is administered prior to the first semester of enrollment. The capstone experience is a required written comprehensive examination in the final semester and a thesis or document.
Additional policies and regulations are found in the Graduate Music Handbook, https://vpa.uncg.edu/music/music-current-students/graduate/.
For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see the Guide to Graduate Admissions.
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must provide:
- A statement of intent that outlines their background, interest in music theory, and career goals.
- A scholarly paper on music, preferably one with an analytical focus.
- Applicants whose materials pass an initial screening by the music theory faculty will be invited for an interview that tests sight-reading, dictation, analysis, and keyboard skills. A diagnostic written exam is administered prior to the interview.
Degree Program Requirements
Required: 34 credit hours
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core (6 credits) | ||
| MUS 602 | Seminar in Music Research and Writing | 3 |
| MUS 706 | Seminar in Musicology and Ethnomusicology | 3 |
| Performance (2 credits) | ||
| Select 2 credits from PRF-type and/or ENS courses at the 600 level | 2 | |
| Electives (3 credits) | ||
| Select 3 credits of electives 1 | 3 | |
| Select one option from the following: (23 credits) 2 | 23 | |
| Thesis Option | ||
Major Courses (18 credits) | ||
| Pedagogy of Music Theory | ||
| Rhythm and Meter | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Theory and Analysis of Western European Post-Tonal Music and Related Traditions | ||
| Current and Historical Trends in Music Theory | ||
| Seminar in Musical Analysis | ||
Thesis (5 credits) | ||
| Thesis 3 | ||
| Non-Thesis Option | ||
Major Courses (21 credits) | ||
| Tonal Counterpoint | ||
or MUS 692 | Advanced Analysis of Western European Tonal Music and Related Traditions | |
| Pedagogy of Music Theory | ||
| Rhythm and Meter | ||
| Schenkerian Analysis | ||
| Theory and Analysis of Western European Post-Tonal Music and Related Traditions | ||
| Current and Historical Trends in Music Theory | ||
| Seminar in Musical Analysis | ||
Document (2 credits) | ||
| Document in Music Theory 4 | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 34 | |
| 1 | Should be chosen in consultation with the major advisor; MUE 618 Psychology of Music is recommended. |
| 2 | For both the thesis and non-thesis options, a comprehensive examination with both written and oral components is required. The thesis or document is to be presented in a public forum. |
| 3 | 5 credits of MUS 699 are required for the Thesis Option. |
| 4 | 2 credits of MUS 698 are required for the Non-Thesis Option. |