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Subject · 198 verified programs

Music Theory: degrees, diplomas and programs

Advanced study of how music is organized, covering harmony, counterpoint, form, rhythm and analytical methods across styles.

Also called: Music Analysis, Theory and Analysis, Theory and Composition, Musiktheorie, Teoria musicale, Théorie de la musique, Teoría de la música.

44 MM / MMus · 38 BM / BMus · 34 MA · 34 PhD · 16 BA / BA (Hons) · 8 Other master’s award · 7 Other bachelor’s award · 7 Certificate · 4 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 2 Other diploma · 2 Other research doctorate · 1 BS / BSc · 1 DMA · 97 dedicated degree, 44 named major, 46 official concentration, 11 documented pathway

198 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About music theory study

Music theory is the systematic study of how music works. It asks how pitches, rhythms and forms are organized, how they relate to one another, and how those relationships shape what listeners hear. At degree level it goes beyond the introductory harmony taught to all music students and develops analytical methods, historical understanding of theoretical systems and research skills.

Typical work includes detailed analysis of scores, writing about musical structure, and studying approaches such as tonal harmony and voice leading, Schenkerian analysis, form and phrase rhythm, post-tonal and set theory, and the analysis of popular or non-Western music. Some programs include counterpoint, species exercises or the study of historical treatises.

Theory is closely connected to musicology and composition but differs in emphasis. Musicology asks historical and cultural questions, composition produces new work, while theory builds frameworks to describe music itself. Dedicated degrees are mostly at graduate level, and many theorists work with a mixed profile that includes aural training, keyboard skills and teaching.

What study typically involves

  • Tonal harmony, voice leading and counterpoint
  • Analytical methods such as Schenkerian and formal analysis
  • Post-tonal theory and twentieth and twenty-first century techniques
  • Analysis of popular, jazz and non-Western music in some programs
  • History of music theory and treatises
  • Aural skills and keyboard harmony
  • Research methods and academic writing
  • Teaching theory and aural skills

Award titles. Music theory is commonly recognized at master's level through the MA, MM, MMus or MSc, and at doctoral level through the PhD, which is the usual research route. Undergraduate study often appears as a BA or BMus with a theory emphasis rather than a standalone degree. Some countries also have diplomas or other awards. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program is listed under Music Theory only when it is a dedicated music theory degree, a named theory major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. A single analysis course does not count. Programs in historical or cultural music scholarship are listed under Musicology.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Theory applicants are usually asked for academic writing samples, such as an analytical paper on a piece of music, along with transcripts and references. A personal statement describing research interests and how they fit the faculty is common, especially for doctoral applications.

Programs often test knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, aural skills and keyboard skills through written and oral exams or placement tests. Musical background is expected, and some programs request evidence of performance ability. Graduate applicants should expect questions about the analytical methods they know and what they want to study.

Requirements vary by institution and country and differ from audition-led routes. Check the official admissions page for samples, tests and deadlines. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding is often tied to teaching, since graduate students may teach theory and aural skills courses as assistants, with tuition support or stipends in some systems. Fellowships, research grants and scholarships may also be available, and doctoral funding is competitive.

Terms depend on the institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check with each program and funding body directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include scores and books, access to journals and software for analysis or notation, travel to conferences, and fees for copy editing or translation if writing in a second language.