Program Description
The Master of Music in Composition or Music Theory allows graduate students to choose between the two emphases with the goal of preparing them well for doctoral work in their area of interest. Students receive a firm grounding in tonal analysis, post-tonal theory and analysis, music theory pedagogy, and composition. In addition, students take courses in music history and have the option to build their performance skills as well.
Learning Objectives:
Upon graduation from the Master of Music in Composition or Music Theory students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of appropriate musical literature in an historical context
- demonstrate a heightened understanding musical structure and process
- demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to express analytical insights orally and in writing
- demonstrate enhanced compositional skills
- be prepared for admission to any doctoral program in theory or composition in the U.S.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program will be well prepared for doctoral-level work.
Why Study Theory/Composition at NAU?
The main reason to study at NAU’s School of Music is the faculty’s dedication to students. Composition and Music Theory faculty are actively involved in their fields at national and international levels. NAU’s School of Music faculty have interests in such diverse areas as Schenkerian analysis, twentieth-century theory and analysis, music technology, music theory pedagogy, and the music of Bach, Ligeti, Shostakovich and Takemitsu. Students have the opportunity to work very closely with a number of faculty to build their particular area of expertise. Bruce Reiprich
The Master of Music program allows for individualization based on the student’s particular interests. For those who are interested in performance opportunities, numerous opportunities are available both within the School of Music and within the Flagstaff community.
The close attention graduate students receive in NAU’s School of Music prepares one for a successful professional career as well as for further graduate study.
Admission Requirements:
Students must have completed a Baccalaureate degree in music with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and be admitted to Northern Arizona University’s Graduate College. Please see the required forms and further information at www.nau.edu/gradcol. Evaluation and application material that has been approved by the School of Music Composition and Music Theory faculty.
Application Procedures:
Step 1. Go online and apply to the NAU Graduate College at nau.edu/gradcol. The Graduate College application will require your undergraduate transcripts.
Step 2. Contact Dr. Krista Rodin, the NAU School of Music graduate coordinator; krista.rodin@nau.edu
Step 3. Contact Dr. Stephen Brown, Coordinator, Music Theory and Composition, Stephen.brown@nau.edu
Step 4. Send Dr. S. Brown two letters of recommendation and a curriculum vita. In addition, composition students must send a portfolio containing at least two pieces displaying contrasting styles and/or media. Theory students must submit a short analytical paper that demonstrates strong writing skills and analytical insight. Send materials to Dr. Stephen Brown, NAU Box 6040, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6040.
Decisions about acceptance will be made after reviewing all application materials.
Graduate Assistantship:
Graduate Assistantships may be available for students in the Masters in Music –Composition or Music Theory. For further information on these Assistantships, please contact Dr. S. Brown.
Program of Study Requirements
To see a the specific courses required for the MM degree in composition or theory, please click on the following link:
MM_Theory and Composition Program of Study 09-10.docx