Music theory certificates
Open to qualified music majors, the purpose of the Music Theory Certificate is to1) provide students with interest and aptitude the opportunity to take more varied upper-level courses and develop independent projects under faculty mentorship; and 2) provide these students with a formal acknowledgement of their work in music theory, which could serve as a stepping stone to graduate school, private teaching, theory teaching in primary or secondary schools, or work in music-related media and technology.
To apply for the certificate:
- Students need a minimum average grade of B+ or higher for freshman and sophomore music theory and aural skills classes to qualify.
- Application typically takes place sophomore or junior year.
- A faculty sponsor must sign off on the application.
- Please have a statement of purpose ready to submit in the application.
The Music Theory Certificate includes an independent study with a faculty member that results in a research project and presentation. The project could be in a variety of formats including a paper (4-5,000words not including examples bibliography) or a shorter paper (2-3,000words not including examples or bibliography) and an additional component such as a composition, multimedia presentation, software or performance.
Music Theory Certificate application
The chair of the Music Theory Department will communicate with you once your application has been considered. Please note that your application is pending until that point.
Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Music Theory offers a curricular framework for advanced studies in music theory, along with formal acknowledgement of these studies without the more extended requirements of the master’sin music theory.
Students applying for the certificate should have an interest in music theory and theory pedagogy, facility with common analytical techniquesand an ability to learn advanced concepts. Master’s, doctoraland PhD graduates with theory certificates will have an advantage for positions that include theory and aural skills teaching.
To begin the application forthe Certificate in Music Theory, please complete theMusic Theory Certificate application.
Venezuelan Andres Orco-Zerpa is a DMA guitar student in our Thompson Jazz Studies Program with a special interest in advanced rhythm and meter in jazz; as such, he’s also pursuing a Certificate in Music Theory. “Through the certificate program, I received a multidisciplinary education that has made me a more well-rounded musician and educator,” hesays.
Curriculum
The curriculum consists of the 12 credit hours below. All MM and DMA degree programs currently require at least threecredit hours in music theory. Students pursuing this graduate certificate would typically enroll in an additional six to nine credit hours. For current students, courses taken before applying for the certificate will be counted.
- 3 credits. Music Theory Pedagogy (MUSC 6051)
- 6 credits. Two out of three of the following:
- Schenkerian Analysis (MUSC 5151)
- Post-tonal Theory + Analysis (MUSC 5071)
- A further elective from Topics in Music Analysis (MUSC 5151) for MM students, or Advanced Topics in Music Theory (MUSC 6801) for DMA and PhD students.
- 3 credits. One-semester of Special Studies, resulting in a research project and public presentation of research.
Admissions requirements
The program is only available to MM, DMAand PhD students enrolled in the College of Music. Students may apply for the program with their application to the college or once they are currently enrolled. The application will consist of
- Statement of purpose
- Academic transcript(s)
- Two scholarly writing samples
Academic performance in graduate courses at CU Vlogƽ will also be taken into account for students who are currently enrolled.
Questions? Contact Graduate Studies CoordinatorChris Martin,christopher.t.martin@colorado.edu.