MAJOR FINDER



Filter by College


Filter by Subject

Music Theory

UD professor and student learning about music theory

UNDERSTAND HARMONY, CACOPHONY AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Students completing a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory undergo a rigorous program that prepares them to continue on to graduate study in the field. In addition to working closely with the theory faculty, students receive mentoring and are encouraged to attend and present at regional and national conferences. Students also write an extended research paper on a related topic chosen in consultation with their adviser, in addition to completing studies in cognate fields such as foreign languages, music history and research methods.

​Advanced courses in counterpoint, orchestration, analysis, keyboard harmony and analytical technique seminars exposes our students to a broad array of approaches to understanding, analyzing, hearing, performing and composing music. By offering numerous ways to deepen one’s engagement with music, theory courses provide a solid foundation for musical experiences at the University of Delaware and beyond.

Students in this major have been accepted to prestigious graduate programs in music theory such as those at the Ohio State University, McGill University and Hunter College.

 

RELATED MAJORS

Music

Music Composition

Applied Music

Music Education

Music History and Literature

Music Management

AREAS OF STUDY

  • Music Theory
  • Aural Skills
  • Music History
  • Piano
  • Private Weekly Instrumental or Vocal Lessons
  • Ensembles
  • Advanced Study in Music Analysis, Orchestration and Harmonic Forms
  • Independent Research and Thesis Projects
  • German Language

CAREER OPTIONS

  • Collegiate-Level Teaching
  • Academic Textbook Publishing
  • Music and Arts Advocacy
  • Vocational Composition and Arranging
  • Academic and Non-Academic Writing

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

  • Music Theory
  • Music Business
  • Music Education
  • Music Therapy

What’s special about this program?

This major can be personalized to fit the academic and professional pursuits of each student, individualized to incorporate minors, Honors Degrees, Degrees with Distinction,  service learning, study abroad and research. We maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio and small classes, providing access to a passionate, invested and highly accomplished faculty comprised of professionally active performers, composers, educators, theorists and musicologists.  The study of music at Delaware is enriched by nearly 300 performances each year by faculty, students, ensembles and guest artists. Additionally, the vast musical resources of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City are easily accessible to our majors.

Get Involved

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Xi Mu Chapter)

Sigma Alpha Iota (Eto Rho Chapter)

National Association for Music Education (NAfME)

American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)

The Society of Composers, Inc. (SCI)

American String Teachers Association (ASTA)

The Jazz Educators and Performers Association (JEPA)

Music Management Student Assoc (MMSA)

College Music Society (UD Student Chapter)

Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic

American Musicological Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter

A cappella and other musical groups

Nationally Connected Organizations

Ensemble Opportunities

Sample curriculum

ENGL110

Seminar in Composition

 

GRMN105/106

 

German I/II
MATH113

Contemporary Mathemetics or higher

 

MUSC100

 

Recital Attendance

MUSC151/152

 

Private Study

MUSC175/176

 

Class Piano I/II

 

MUSC185/186

 

Aural Skills I/II

MUSC195

 

Harmony I

MUSC430 Collegium/MUSC433

 

Still Breathing and Other Ensembles

UNIV101 

 

First Year Experience
MUSC231

Orchestration

 

University Breadth Requirements

 

 

FLLL105

 

Secondary Foreign Language
MUSC100

Recital Attendance

 

MUSC196/295

Harmony II/III

 

MUSC211/311

 

Music, History, and Ideas & Music History: 400–1600

MUSC251/252

 

Private Study
MUSC275/276

Class Piano III/IV

 

MUSC285/286

 

Aural Skills III/IV
MUSC430 Collegium/MUSC433

Still Breathing and Other Ensembles

 

University Breadth Requirement

 

 

MUSC100

 

Recital Attendance

MUSC296

 

Harmony IV

MUSC312/313

 

Music History: 1600-1827 & Music History: 1827 to the Present

MUSC430 Collegium/MUSC433

 

Still Breathing and Other Ensembles

MUSC335

 

Basic Conducting

MUSC351/352

 

Private Study

MUSC392

 

Contrapuntal Writing
MUSC419

Music Research Seminar

 

University Breadth Requirements

 

 

MUSC393

 

Keyboard Harmony

MUSC695

 

Advanced Analytical Techniques
MUSC401/402

Senior Thesis

 

University Breadth Requirements

 

 

Elective Courses

 

 

Go Global at UD

This major is eligible for the following program:

Youdee