This graduate concentration is part of the Master of Music program.
Advance your musical voice
The Master of Music in theory and composition is designed to provide you with all the advanced analytical and creative opportunities crucial to your future success as a composer or music theorist. Whether you want to focus on theory, composition, or both, this program prepares you for a career in academia or the professional music world.
Choose your focus
Tailor your degree to your career goals. These areas focus on helping you develop the specialized skills your chosen path requires.
- Theory: Dedicate your studies to advanced musical analysis and research.
- Composition: Creating original musical works while building professional-level analytical skills.
- Dual: Split your focus between theory and composition, providing a balanced approach to creative and analytical work.
Thesis research and writing
Because this concentration is research-intensive, you'll complete a thesis. The thesis defense serves as your comprehensive exam for the degree.
Applying to the music master's program
Requirements for admission
To be eligible for consideration into the program, you must:
- meet the SFA Graduate School requirements
- have an overall undergraduate 2.5 GPA or higher
- and be one of the following:
- in your final year of undergraduate work
- holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- or have 95 or more semester hours of undergraduate work at SFA and be approved as an overlap student.
Ready to complete your application?
Applying to SFA's School of Music is a two-part process. Application requirements and audition materials are provided in the online music application.
- Apply to the Graduate School and submit your official transcripts.
- Apply to the School of Music.
- Select your desired degree to view details on required application and audition materials.
Priority deadlines
For priority consideration, submit your completed application by the following dates:
- Jan. 15 for all required documents.
- March 15 for all audition/interviews.
The deadline to apply for the upcoming Fall semester is July 13 or when the program reaches capacity, whichever occurs first.
See curriculum
Curriculum requirementsIs there a capstone?
Yes, you'll complete a thesis project.
How are courses offered?
Online.
Is this program accredited?
Yes, with NASM.
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Questions?
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School of Music
Wright Music Building, Suite 150