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College of Creative Arts and Media School of Natural Resources and the Environment

Music Theory, MA

The MA in Music Theory is intended for performers and music educators who desire advanced training in the analysis of Western art music and preparation for teaching basic musicianship in either a high school or college setting.
It is recommended that those considering this degree have above average keyboard skills. Specifically, the student should be able to play select Bach Two-Part Inventions and be able to sight read a hymn or chorale.

Your Degree Plan

This program is intended for performers and music educators who desire advanced training in the analysis of Western art music and preparation for teaching basic musicianship in either a high school or college setting.

Students who earn the Master of Arts in Music Theory will be able to:

  • Analyze works from all periods of music using advanced techniques and communicate clearly about them in both written and oral formats.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in one or more fields of music outside the major such as history and literature, composition, musicology and ethnomusicology, and performance
  • Design and implement an undergraduate music theory class and demonstrate instructional delivery and management skills.

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View of Creative Arts Center from a distance on a spring day

Canady Creative Arts Center

The Loulie, Valerie, and William Canady Creative Arts center boasts 4 exhibition spaces, 5 performance spaces, 33 individual practice rooms, and 50 classrooms and studios with plenty of space to create. The loading dock at the rear of the building is a wonderful open-air space with stunning acoustics.
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Requirements

To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor's degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75. WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

Admission Requirements

Additional application considerations:

  • Please contact the School of Music for additional application requirements, which include letters of recommendation and a repertoire list.
  • A writing sample, such as a term paper (a musical subject is recommended, but not required)

Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain

International applicants must also submit required documents for international applicants.

Application Deadlines

Each graduate program sets their own terms for admission and application deadlines. Applicants can only apply for admission for the terms displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.

  • Fall: March 1
  • Spring: January 1

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