Undergraduate Theory Requirements
Undergraduate music majors take required courses in Music Theory (semesters 1-4) and Aural Skills (semesters 1-4), along with upper-division electives in tonal analysis, post-tonal analysis, counterpoint, jazz theory, composition and music technology. Jazz majors study a jazz-focused curriculum in lieu of the traditional third and fourth semesters of Music Theory and Aural Skills.
Theory placement criteria
All incoming first-year music majors who begin in a fall semester are required to take the theory diagnostic in the summer prior. The assessment takes about an hour and comprises written theory and aural skills portions. Topics include key signatures, scales, intervals, triads and seventh chords, rhythm and meter, Roman numerals and melodic and harmonic dictation. Students are not expected to know all this information: The diagnostic assesses students’ current familiarity and facility with theory fundamentals. From the results, we can appropriately place students in first or second-semester theory courses. Students can prepare for the assessment by studying a fundamentals text or website (some of which include aural skills lessons and reinforcement). See the lists below for suggestions.
Advanced placement music theory students
Students who earn a composite score of 4 for AP Music Theory are generally exempt from first-semester theory core courses. Those with a score of 5 are generally exempt from the entire first year of the theory core. These students are still required to take the theory diagnostic so that we can confirm their knowledge and skill levels.
Websites
Self-study textbooks
- “Scales, Intervals, Keys, Triads, Rhythm and Meter” by John Clough and Joyce Conley, published by Norton
- “Basic Materials in Music Theory: A Programmed Approach” by Greg Steinke and Paul Harder, currently published by Pearson
- “A Creative Approach to Music Fundamentals” by William Duckworth, currently published by Schirmer