Graduate Division

Curricula for Graduate Degrees  

Music Theory 

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.

Master of Music in Music Theory

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 is 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 from Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey, 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 “Structure of Master’s Curricula” under General Requirements for Master’s Degrees in this bulletin.

Outside Area

6 credit hours. See “Structure of Master’s Curricula” under General Requirements for Master’s Degrees in this bulletin.

Tool Subject

M539 Introduction to Music Bibliography (2 cr.) with a grade of B or higher or evidence of proficiency demonstrated by examination.

Ensemble

Each semester.

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory (through University Graduate School)

Admission

Applicants for the Ph.D. in music theory must have received a master’s degree in music theory or musicology or the demonstrated equivalent. Students with outstanding credentials may apply directly from a bachelor’s degree. Students are required to demonstrate competency in all areas required of the M.M. music theory major at Indiana University, and may be exempted from certain courses on the recommendation of the department.

In addition to three letters of recommendation, applicants must submit two extensive, formal research papers or a master’s thesis in music theory or musicology. An individual interview is 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 from Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey, by the application deadline.

Major

36-66 credit hours.

Foundation Courses:

  • 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.).
Foundation courses may be validated based on previous coursework.

Advanced courses:

  • T623-T624 History of Music Theory I-II (3-3 cr.)
  • T658 Seminar in Music Theory: Variable Topics (3-3-3-3 cr.)
  • T550 Readings in Music Theory* (3 cr.)
  • 3 credits chosen from T658 Seminar in Music Theory: Variable Topics (3 cr.), T561 Music Theory: Variable Topics (3 cr.), T619 Projects and Problems in Music Theory (3 cr.) or another graduate course approved by the music theory department
  • T700 Dissertation in Music Theory (9-24 cr.).

* Students who have already fulfilled the requirement for T550 must substitute 3 credits of T658, T561, T619, or another approved graduate course.

Public Lecture

T659 Public Lecture (0 cr.). The public lecture must be completed before taking the oral qualifying examination.

Minor Fields

24 credit hours. Student must elect two minor fields, usually for 12 credit hours each. The first minor must be either music history and literature or musicology. The second minor may be inside or outside of the Jacobs School of Music. For the second minor, the student may also select guided electives not in the major field, approved by the student’s advisory committee and the director of graduate studies.

Tool Subjects

M539 Introduction to Music Bibliography (2 cr.) with a grade of B or higher and reading knowledge of two non-English languages as demonstrated by examination or by grades of B or higher in two semesters of reading courses at the graduate level in each; or reading knowledge of one language and demonstration of proficiency in one research skill, approved by the department and the director of graduate studies of the Jacobs School of Music.

Academic Bulletins

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Previous Bulletins

Students are ordinarily subject to the curricular requirements outlined in the Bulletin in effect at the start of their current degree. See below for links to previous Bulletins.