The program is designed to prepare students for further doctoral study. The master’s degree in music theory is required for most Ph.D. programs in the field. The Ph.D. is now a minimum requirement for entry into college-level teaching.
Music Theory
Master of Music
Music Theory Master's Degree
The graduate program in Music Theory is intended for those students whose interest in music theory leads them to desire to teach and perform research at the college or university level. The program is designed to prepare students for further work at the Ph.D. level in the field. This Master of Music degree can be completed within one academic year, but it is recommended that students allow two full years.
Careers with a Music Theory Master's Degree
Tuition & Financial Aid
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Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees are assessed based on the number of credit hours of enrollment, Ohio residency and program.
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Financial Aid, Scholarships & Funding Sources
To learn more about loans, scholarships and grants, visit Ohio University's Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Explore funding resources obtainable by graduate students at Ohio University at Graduate Student Financial Support.
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Graduate Assistantships??
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Music Theory Courses & Curriculum
View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
The program requires courses in analysis, music history, composition electives, and proficiency in reading either German or French. Required courses cover Schenkerian and post-tonal analysis as well as composition and theory pedagogy.
Culminating Experience
Students must successfully complete an oral comprehensive examination designed to assess synthesis of knowledge developed during the course of study and must successfully complete and defend a thesis. Thesis work will be publicly presented.
Admission Requirements
Admittance to the program requires a sample essay and a personal interview including a demonstration of a aural and keyboard proficiency.
The candidate must schedule a personal interview with members of the music theory faculty, during which the candidate will be asked to 1) demonstrate functional keyboard facility sufficient to perform examples in chorale texture and brief examples from the literature at an intermediate skill level; and 2) demonstrate an ability to sight sing and identify chords, intervals, and take melodic and harmonic dictation. Additionally, an essay of approximately 1,200 words, preferably including music analysis, is required.
English Proficiency Requirement
Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
School of Music Graduate Auditions & Admissions
International Students
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
Share Your Musical Interests
The School of Music at Ohio University offers a variety of musical ensembles designed to meet the educational and artistic needs of our majors, and also qualified students from other academic disciplines who wish to continue their involvement in music performance.
School of Music large ensemble offerings include choral groups, symphony and campus orchestras, three symphonic bands, two jazz ensembles, and the marching band. The Opera Theater presents at least one main stage production each year as well as a recital of opera scenes.
In addition to the large performing ensembles, students may choose to participate in small mixed groups including the New Music Ensemble, jazz combos, and various woodwind, brass, and string chamber ensembles. Smaller vocal ensembles are often formed from within each choral group. Like-instrumental ensembles such as Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Quartets, Brass Quintets, Trumpet Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Percussion Ensemble are also available to interested students.
OHIO's Performing Arts Series
Ohio University's premier concert and performance series, organized by the Division of Student Affairs, and hosted in venues across campus, while primarily staging concerts and events at the Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium.
The Performing Arts series is home to a wide variety of arts and entertainment, from Grammy-award winning Kenny G and South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the Wizard of Oz play and country singer Sara Evans. The Memorial Auditorium and Stuart’s Opera House host some of the University and community’s top shows, acts, and events. We also host a regular film series and an acoustic showcase for movie and music buffs alike.
Our Faculty Expertise
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Ciro Scotto
Ciro Scotto’s research in music theory includes creating analytical models of rock music, especially in the area of timbre, creating compositional systems, producing analyses and theoretical models of the music of the 20th and 21st centuries, and mathematical models of music.
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Jennifer M. Smith
Dr. Smith’s research interests include Schenkerian analysis, Baroque textual expression, phrase structure, form, and music theory/aural skills pedagogy. Her current research focuses on the influence of tonal structure and motivic enlargements on the underlying narrative progression in J. S. Bach’s multi-movement vocal works.
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Contact Us
If you'd like more information about the music theory program, reach out to Professor Ciro Scotto, Chair of Music Theory, at scotto@ohio.edu.
Ready to Get Started?
Related Programs
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Music Composition (M.M.)The graduate degree in music composition at Ohio University is a comprehensive program. In addition to offering specialized training in music composition, the degree provides students with the strong, well-rounded education in music required to achieve success as a composer.
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Music Theory Pedagogy CertificateThe Music Theory Pedagogy Certificate affords graduate music students the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience in teaching music theory and aural skills beyond what the Music Theory Pedagogy course can offer.
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Conducting CertificateThe Graduate Conducting Certificate Program (Band, Choral, Orchestral) benefits students seeking to teach music in public schools, perform, or study conducting at the graduate level.