The music theory field is interdisciplinary, linking with diverse academic areas including history, ethnomusicology, composition, literary theory, psychology, and philosophy. That inclusive spirit is evident in the faculty members and students as well, who come from a variety of cultures.

Our award-winning faculty members are known for their research in a wide of topics, including atonal and 12-tone music of Arnold Schoenberg and George Walker, text and musical structure in 19th-century women’s music, musical structure and timbre in popular music, and the music of living composers.

The area emphasizes comprehensive musicianship. Undergraduates receive solid training in theory, aural skills, and keyboard skills, while graduate students are encouraged to pursue performance and composition as well as analytic, writing, and musicianship skills.