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Music Theory
NEC’s degrees in Music Theory offer students the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with the department’s diverse faculty, which includes leading scholars, composers, and performers.
Whether you are an emerging professional theorist, composer, teacher, or performer, NEC’s Music Theory Department provides an intellectually rigorous and supportive environment to pursue your field of research in one of the world’s most musically inspiring institutions.
Katarina Miljkovic
From the Department Chair
The Music Theory Department distinguishes itself through a tradition of innovation, a hands-on approach to teaching theory, and a strong emphasis on technology integration. Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, covering essential skills such as sight-singing, score reading, conducting, and the comprehensive exploration of musical works in relation to performance and composition. Emphasizing the integration of music technology as an accelerator for developing and applying musical skills, we acknowledge technology’s increasing role within the landscape of the field.
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Department Highlights
Intellectually rigorous, nurturing, and musically inspiring.
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Music Theory Minor
For undergraduate students, a minor in music theory strengthens your graduate school applications and enhances your prospect of getting teaching assistant positions. For graduate students, a music theory minor diversifies and strengthens your resume when applying for hybrid teaching positions in schools and colleges that seek candidates with performance skills, educational technology skills, and knowledge of teaching theory. A music theory minor adds no additional cost since students can incorporate the requirements and credits into NEC’s existing credit structure.
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Theory Major or Double Major
Both undergraduate and graduate students can add theory as a double major. A music theory major not only opens new horizons in the field of music but also prepares students for hybrid teaching positions in higher education. Undergraduate students can switch to a theory major after the first two years if they decide to change direction in the field of music from performance to an academic career.
