Music Theory, BM

Music theory involves studying music structures and forms, musical ideas and developing critical thinking skills. A Bachelor of Music with a major in music theory can be the first step toward a teaching career at a college, university or conservatory. It also equips you with the skill and insight for interpreting music at an advanced level.

Click here to view the general “Bachelor of Music ” requirements within the “College of Music ” section.

Degree requirements

The following requirements must be satisfied for a Bachelor of Music with a major in music theory.

Hours required and general/college requirements

A minimum of 128 hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree as specified in the “University Core Curriculum ” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Music requirements.

Major requirements

44 hours, including:

Other course requirements

MUMH 1600 - Music in Human Imagination (may be used to satisfy the Creative Arts requirement of the University Core Curriculum)
MUMH 3500 - Music History and Literature to 1750
MUMH 3510 - Music History and Literature Since 1750
PHYS 1270 - Science and Technology of Musical Sound (may be used to satisfy a portion of the Life and Physical Sciences requirement of the University Core Curriculum)

Foreign language requirements

Music history, 3 hours

Choose one from below:

Minor requirements

24 hours in applied music, including:

MUAG 3800 - Fundamentals of Conducting
MUAC (1000-level applied concentration; any one instrument or voice) (8)
MUAC (3000-level applied concentration; any one instrument or voice) (4)
MUAG 1013 - Keyboard Skills for Music Majors and/or
MUAG 1014 - Keyboard Skills for Music Majors (may be waived by successful completion of the Piano Proficiency upon entrance to UNT, and replaced by 2 credits of MUAS 1000-level applied secondary)
MULB (any music laboratory, each long term/semester) (minimum of 8)

Electives

3 hours.

Other requirements

All non-keyboard majors must enroll in secondary piano each long term/semester until proficiency is passed.
Candidates must pass the Concentration Proficiency Examination in the principal instrument or voice.
Theory major candidates must complete the following with a B average and no grade lower than a C: MUTH 1400 , MUTH 1410 , MUTH 1500 , MUTH 1510 , MUTH 2400 , MUTH 2410 , MUTH 2500 , MUTH 2510 .
Complete all remaining theory courses with no grade lower than a B: MUTH 3410 , MUTH 3420 , MUTH 3510 , MUTH 3520 , MUTH 4370 , MUTH 4520 , MUTH 4920 , MUCP 3090 , MUCP 4310 .
All music theory majors are expected to attend division events, including the MHTE lecture series (Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.), hosted conferences, and departmentals (once to twice per semester). Failure to attend these events may result in removal from the program. Exceptions must be approved in advance by the area coordinator.