Music Theory and Composition

Liberal Arts • Visual And Performing Arts

What is it about?

A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.

Numbers at a glance

325th
Popular nationwide
167
Search Rank on O's List
118
Colleges offer it
497
Graduates (2018-19)
Men
340
Women
157

Trends

Graduates
Popularity Rank

Colleges

Number of Colleges by Type
Median Graduating Class by College Type
Number of Colleges by Size

O's Insights on Music Theory and Composition

  • Major has been decreasing in popularity over the last 5 years after being stable prior to that.
  • 32% of graduates come from public universities.

Related Majors

Major Graduates Colleges
Music, General 7,287 793
Music Performance, General 4,067 341
Music, Other 909 73