The field of music theory is interdisciplinary, connecting with diverse academic areas including history, ethnomusicology, composition, literary theory, psychology, and philosophy. That inclusive spirit is evident in the faculty members and students in the University of Oregon’s music theory program, who come from a variety of backgrounds and pursue projects on an array of topics spanning different genres, styles, eras, and methodologies.

Our award-winning faculty members are known for their research in a wide range of topics, including atonal and 12-tone music of Arnold Schoenberg and George Walker, the relationship between music and text in songs by marginalized composers, public music theory, 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 analytical, writing, and musicianship skills.