Music Theory, M.M.

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Master of Music

The Hartt School offers a variety of majors within the Master of Music degree program. Curricula are designed to elevate student accomplishments to the highest possible professional levels. Applicants for this degree will usually have completed a bachelor’s degree in music from an NASM-accredited institution or from a comparable foreign school. The Graduate Studies Committee reserves the right to decide if and when students have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. Applicants may be required to take a special examination to determine their level or preparation for one of Hartt’s degree programs.

Specific Undergraduate Prerequisites:

Choral Conducting

Score reading
Figured bass realization
Keyboard skills
Tonal counterpoint

Music History

A minimum of 15 credits in music history and literature
A thorough background in European history

Music Theory

Tonal harmony and counterpoint
Tonal and post-tonal form and analysis
Instrumentation and orchestration
Keyboard skills and score reading

All curricula for the Master of Music require a minimum of 35 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. These credits normally are earned during four semesters of full-time study (minimum of 9 credits per semester, maximum of 13 credits); however, part-time study is possible. A maximum of 16 credits of studio lessons may count toward the degree. Normally, performance majors must complete two recitals for noncredit. Up to 4 credits in chamber music may be earned toward the degree. The thesis, if required, may be begun during the last (fourth) semester of full-time study or after the successful completion of 30 credits. The degree must be completed within five years from the date of matriculation.

Total credits for degree: 36

See note ¹

Major Area (15 credits)

TH 550 - Music 1900 to 1950 3 credit(s) ²
TH 552 - Schenkerian Analysis 3 credit(s)
TH 570 - Music Theory Seminar 3 credit(s)
TH 675 - Music Theory Colloquium 0 credit(s) ³
TH 676 - Music Theory Colloquium 0 credit(s) ³
TE 600 - Thesis 2–3 credit(s) (3 credits required)
TE 601 - Thesis 2–3 credit(s) (3 credits required)

Other Studies (6 credits)

HLM 615 - Pro-seminar in Music History 3 credit(s) ^{4, 5}
HLM 660 - History of Music Theory 3 credit(s)

Electives

Elective courses 15 credit(s) ⁶

Note(s):

¹Theory majors are required to pass a German reading test before they earn more than 18 credits toward the degree.

²TH 611 , TH 612 , TH 613 , TH 614 - Graduate Ear Training Review Requirement (must be taken first if required per placement exam).

³Required each semester of full-time enrollment.

⁴HLM 611 , HLM 612 , HLM 613 (must be taken first if required per placement exam).

⁵To be completed by the end of the first year of study.

⁶Electives are normally taken in music theory and music history.

Four credits of private music instruction, for an additional fee, may be allowed. Acoustics (ES 562) should be included if not previously taken in undergraduate program.

HLM 611 , HLM 612 , and HLM 613 , and TH 611 , TH 612 , TH 613 , and TH 614 do not fulfill requirements in music history or music theory.