Program Overview
The Music - Composition/Theory Emphasis program at Illinois State University provides a comprehensive foundation in music theory and composition, preparing students for careers as music theorists, composers, or music instructors. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, individualized mentorship, and opportunities for research and performance. Graduates are equipped with the skills to analyze, create, and teach music at the high school or collegiate level.
Program Outline
Music - Composition/Theory Emphasis at Illinois State University: A Detailed Analysis
Degree Overview:
This program focuses on developing a strong foundation in music theory and composition for students interested in music analysis, research, and writing original music. Graduates of the program can pursue careers as music theorists, composers, or professors at the high school or collegiate level.
Outline:
Course Schedule:
- Sophomore Year: Music Theory I & II, Aural Skills
- Junior Year: Advanced Harmony & Counterpoint, Advanced Orchestration & Form, Advanced Conducting
- Senior Year: Capstone Project, Music History III
Individual Modules:
- Music Theory I and II: Introduces fundamental concepts of music notation, rhythm, melody, and harmony.
- Aural Skills: Develops the ability to hear and transcribe musical information in real-time.
- Advanced Harmony and Counterpoint: Explores complex harmonic and melodic concepts, including 20th-century techniques.
- Advanced Orchestration and Form: Focuses on arranging music for various instrumental ensembles, and studying form in orchestral music.
- Advanced Conducting: Develops conducting skills for different musical genres.
- Capstone Project: Students complete their own original compositions and engage in rigorous research on a topic of their choice within music theory.
- Music History III: Explores music from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Assessment:
Students are assessed based on various methods:
- Formal Exams: Test students' comprehension of theoretical concepts.
- Aural Exams: Evaluate the ability to transcribe and identify musical elements.
- Compositions: Original pieces are analyzed based on originality, creativity, and adherence to specific musical principles.
- Capstone Project: Assessed on both the original composition and research paper.
- Classroom Participation: Active involvement in discussions and presentations contributes to the final grade.
Teaching:
Faculty at Illinois State are actively involved in the field of music theory. Students receive individualized mentorship through one-on-one sessions with professors on their research projects. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging students to experiment and create original music.
Careers:
The Music - Composition/Theory Emphasis program equips students with skills to pursue careers in the music field as:
- Music Theorist: Analyzing musical scores, teaching theory courses, and publishing research on theoretical topics.
- Composer: Writing music for films, video games, theater productions, or classical ensembles.
- High School or College Music Instructor: Teaching music theory or composition to younger students.
Other:
- Students have opportunities to receive individual reading sessions from prominent ensembles.
- The program encourages students to present their research at regional and national conferences.
- There are various scholarship opportunities available for music theory majors.
Note:
While information on fees and admissions was not included in the provided context, you can find that information directly on the Illinois State University website at https://music.illinoisstate.edu/music-theory/.
