Explore all the opportunities you have in music theory or composition at ASU while you learn from renowned composers and theorists.
Students pursuing the BMus in theory and composition must choose a concentration in either theory or composition. Completion of the requirements for the concentration in theory results in the awarding of one degree in either theory or composition.
Students who select the concentration in theory take courses focus that explore various facets of the discipline such as tonal harmony, formal analysis, counterpoint and topics in 20th and 21st century music, studies in music composition, jazz and popular music. Students work with faculty who specialize in theory and whose research areas range from tonal music to music cognition to innovative analytical approaches.
This program may be used as the first step toward a master's degree or doctorate in music theory or another graduate academic music degree.
At A Glance
Theory and Composition (Theory), BMUS
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
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Financial Aid
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Admission requirements
Important: Applicants must submit an ASU application for undergraduate admission in addition to a separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application. Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-steps-to-apply for details. Admission to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre is based on an audition. Auditions take place in November (spring admission) and in January and February (fall admission) of each year. Applicants may review audition information at https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-auditions.
Admission to the music program is highly selective and based on an audition process. Students are admitted as music audition students and must successfully complete the audition before enrolling in music major courses. Upon admission to both ASU and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, the applicant's major will be changed to music. In the event a student is admitted to ASU but not to the School of Music, Dance and Theatre or misses the audition deadline, the student will remain as a music audition major and will need to successfully pass the music audition milestone in the first semester in order to gain admission into the program.
Application Deadlines: Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/music/undergraduate-deadlines-fees for complete music deadlines.
Spring admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is October 15.
Fall admission: The deadline to apply for admission to this program is January 5.
Career outlook
Graduates are prepared to work in various professional capacities, including:
- arranging
- composing
- performing in community and professional ensembles in a variety of styles and traditions
- presenting school programs, or state or community arts councils as artist-in-residence
- teaching in a private studio or community program
- teaching theory and composition
- working in music-related fields such as media production, music business, publishing and marketing
Many graduates pursue a master's degree or a doctorate in music or in another professional field.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 5.6% | $69,690 |
| Music Directors and Composers | 1.7% | $52,250 |
| Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners | -7.1% | $36,810 |
| Musicians and Singers | 0.9% | * |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation