The future of music, made here.

Music Theory

Student participating in a music technology performance.

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.

Music Theory Department Chair Katarina Miljkovic

Katarina Miljkovic

From the Department Chair

Department Chair Katarina Miljkovic.

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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After NEC

Department Highlights

Intellectually rigorous, nurturing, and musically inspiring.

  • Performing music

    Introduction to Music Technology

    Music Theory Core provides fundamentals in music technology to each NEC undergraduate student. Students learn to use notation software and fundamental MIDI technology, as well as basics in mixing and editing using Digital Audio Workstation.

  • writing music

    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.

  • evaluating sheet music at a piano

    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.

  • Writing music notes on whiteboard

    Music Theory Learning Center

    The Music Theory Learning Center provides an excellent opportunity for teaching assistants to gain experience in tutoring undergraduate and graduate students. Its services are available to the entire NEC community every day from 5–6 p.m.