Degree Requirements
Music theory at Indiana University emphasizes musicianship and scholarly study with particular emphasis on the history of musical thought, analysis of musical structure, and pedagogy.
Prerequisite
Bachelor’s degree with a major in music.
Admission
The applicant must submit at the time of application three letters of recommendation and a typed, formal paper of substantial length on an analytical or theoretical subject. The paper is expected to demonstrate the applicant’s musical insight and ability to express ideas clearly and correctly. An individual interview and audition for an Associate Instructorship are also required; applicants are expected to be proficient in sight-singing, aural skills, and keyboard harmony. The applicant’s scores on the GRE General Test must be received by the application deadline.
Major
21 credit hours.
- T550 Readings in Music Theory (3 cr.)
- T551 Analytical Techniques for Tonal Music (3 cr.)
- T555 Schenkerian Analysis (3 cr.)
- T556 Analysis of Music Since 1900 (3 cr.)
- T565 Stylistic Counterpoint: Variable Topics (3 cr.)
- T591 Teaching of Music Theory (3 cr.)
- T658 Seminar in Music Theory: Variable Topics (3 cr.)
- T599 Master’s Degree Comprehensive Review (0 cr.)
A student may demonstrate proficiency in any one of these areas without substituting another graduate-level music theory course.
Music History and Literature Requirement
6 credit hours. See more information here.
Other Required Credits
6 credit hours. If the 6 credits are taken in a single field outside music theory, an Outside Area may be declared. See more information here.
Tool Subject
M539 Introduction to Music Bibliography (2 cr.) with a grade of B or higher or evidence of proficiency demonstrated by examination.
Major Ensemble
2 credit hours each semester until four fall-spring enrollments are reached or the student graduates.
T599 Master’s Degree Comprehensive Review
T599 Master’s Degree Comprehensive Review is taken during the final semester of enrollment in the master’s degree in music theory. It allows the department to assess comprehensively the qualifications of the student for the master’s degree. By April 1 of the final semester, the student should submit a portfolio containing one major course project from each of the following categories:
- Analysis (T551, T555, T556, or possibly T561 or T658)
- Research (T550, or possibly T561 or T658)
- Practical (T565 or T591)
Projects from other courses may be possible, but note that each component of the portfolio must be drawn from a music theory course.
At the beginning of the portfolio, students should include a Table of Contents, listing each project and the course it was drawn from. The projects themselves should each be preceded by a narrative description of no more than one page, that explains the context for each assignment and provides a brief abstract.
The portfolio may be prepared electronically, with all the required parts combined in a single PDF, emailed to mustheor@iu.edu. Alternatively, a bound portfolio may be submitted to the music theory office.
If the portfolio is deemed unsatisfactory, the department may ask that one or more items be revised and resubmitted, or that another project (including possibly one from the current semester) be submitted.
To access both graduate and undergraduate course descriptions, visit our Courses page.
For information about admissions, visit our Admissions page.