A student-centered approach to academic courses in Music Theory and Composition
Kent State offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Music Theory and Composition.
Undergraduate Information Graduate Information
Faculty
| Joshua Albrecht | Richard Devore |
| H. Gerrey Noh | Adam Roberts (Composition) |
Undergraduate
Degree Offered
| B.M. in Music Composition |
Features
- Includes specialization in music theory and composition.
- Provides preparation for graduate study in the field and the ability to compose and use technology in a variety of musical styles.
- All undergraduate music majors complete an intensive, four-semester core curriculum of music theory, aural skills, and keyboard skills. These skills provide the foundation for future studies in music, as well as enhancing overall musicianship.
- Applied instrumental or vocal study along with seminars and private composition lessons.
Find Your Applied Studio
All undergraduate composition majors must present an instrumental or vocal audition for admission into the program.
Brass | Percussion | Piano | Strings | Voice | Woodwinds
Minors to Compliment Your Major
| Music Minor | Jazz Studies Minor |
| World Music Minor | Arts Entrepreneurship Minor |
Graduate
Degrees Offered
| M.A. in Composition |
| M.A. in Music Theory |
| Ph.D. in Music Theory-Composition |
Master’s
- The master's programs in music theory (MA) and composition (MM) are designed to advance the academic and creative skills of students and to prepare them for admission to doctoral study.
- The composition program emphasizes mastery of large-scale works for media including orchestra, choir, band and/or chamber music ensembles.
- The music theory program further develops abilities in music theory including analytical, aural, written, keyboard, and pedagogical skills.
Ph.D.
- The doctoral program in music theory and composition (Ph.D.) is a unique program that features both creative and research-based study.
- Students complete a core of two years of academic coursework and a two-part dissertation that includes both an original composition and scholarly research in music theory.
Graduate Assistantships
- A limited number are available every year.
- Graduate students receiving assistantships in the music theory and composition area will experience teaching first-year aural skills and music theory tutoring undergraduate students, proctoring placement exams during audition days, and assisting faculty in the music theory & composition area.
Questions or Want More Information?
Contact
Glauser School Admissions
musicadmissions@kent.edu | 330-672-2172
Admission Requirements
- Complete an application for admission to Kent State University.
- Complete an audition for admission to the Glauser School of Music.
English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students:
All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a
- Minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version),
- Minimum 75 MELAB score,
- Minimum 6.0 IELTS score,
- Minimum 48 PTE score or
- Minimum 100 DET score; or by completing the ESL level 112 Intensive Program.
For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission.
- 3.0 GPA out of a 4.0 scale for unconditional admission.
- Official transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goal statement(s)
- Portfolio of compositions
- Resumé
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 74 MELAB score
- Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 50 PTE score
- Minimum 100 Duolingo test score
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission.
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA out of a 4.0 scale for unconditional admission.
- Official transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goal statement(s)
- Substantial term paper on a theoretical topic or a master's thesis in music theory written in English
- Minimum three scores of original compositions demonstrating a variety of genres (chamber, orchestral, piano, choral, etc.)
- Resumé
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 74 MELAB score
- Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 50 PTE score
- Minimum 100 Duolingo test score
