Music Theory/Composition

The music major with a concentration in music theory/composition offers a deep dive into the building blocks of music. With a focus on music theory, private instruction in composition, annual juries and performances, this concentration is ideal for future composers and music educators.

Foundational Music Courses (18 credit hours)
Appreciation Courses (3 credit hours)
  • MUS 274 Western Music History: An Overview (3 credit hours)
    • No prerequisite-May not be repeated for credit
Basic Skills Courses (6 credit hours)
  • MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music and Class Piano I (3 credit hours)
    • Pianists and guitarists are exempt
    • No prerequisite – May not be repeated for credit
  • MUS 277 Entrepreneurship for the Creative and Performing Artist (3 credit hours)
    • No prerequisite– May not be repeated for credit
Music Theory Courses (9 credit hours)
  • MUS 129 Rudiments of composition (3 credit hours)
    • No prerequisite– May not be repeated for credit
  • MUS 107 Music Theory I (3 credit hours)
    • Prerequisite MUS 129 – May not be repeated for credit
  • MUS 108 Music Theory II –Rotating Topic (3 credit hours)
    • This class MAY be repeated for credit - Prerequisite MUS 129
Applied Music Courses (16 credit hours):

Additional Fee Applies

  • MUS 130 Composition: Private Instruction (4 credit hours per year total)
  • MUS 200 Advanced Composition Private Instruction (2 credit hours)
Prerequisite MUS 130 (4 credit hours)
  • MUS 230 Composition with music software/Private Instruction (2 credit hours)
    • Prerequisite MUS 130 (4 credit hours)
  • MUS 308 Composition Private Instruction (4 credit hours) – or (MUS 308 for 2
    • credit hours) and MUS 300 for 2 credit hours)
    • Prerequisite MUS 200 and 230 (4 credit hours total)
  • MUS 300 Composition with Music Software Private Instruction (2 credit hours optional)
    • Prerequisite MUS 200 and 230 (4 credit hours total)
  • MUS 400 Private Instruction: Composition III (4 credit hours per year total)
    • Prerequisite MUS 300 level (4 credit hours)
Targeted Skills Courses: (10 Credit Hours)

Two of the following Courses are required (All three are recommended):

  • MUS 115 Piano Private Instruction (4 credit hours per year total)
    • No prerequisite-May be repeated for credit once
  • MUS 266 Blues and Jazz Appreciation (3 credit hours)
  • MUS 268 History of Rock and Roll (3 credit hours)
  • MUS 278 The Beatles (3 credit hours)
Additional Requirements
  • Juries, once annually
  • Performances bi-annually
  • Senior Recital
Recommended Coursework
  • MUS 336 Private Instruction: 20th Century Analysis (1-2 credit hours)
    • Prerequisite Composition 200 level private instruction -May not be repeated for credit
    • MUS 306 Music Theory Private Instruction (1-2 credit hours)- May not be repeated for credit
  • MUS 220 Private Instruction Piano (1-2 credit hours). This class is appropriate for
    • composition students who want to further their piano skills