Master of Arts (MA) Music Theory
Overview
What to expect
Join a cohort of exceptional students pursuing scholarly excellence in a vibrant, friendly, and intellectually engaging environment. The Master of Arts (MA) in Music Theory is a course-intensive two-year program delivered on an intimate scale by distinguished faculty. Under expert supervision, students complete the equivalent of six full credits, and acquire or demonstrate proficiency in one language besides English.
Why it stands out
The study of Music Theory in the MA program is closely tied to Musicology and Ethnomusicology. Faculty contribute research strengths in areas such as Schenkerian analysis; musical form; theories of rhythm and meter; music and mind; questions of structural racism, gender, racial justice in music; and large-scale instrumental music from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century.
Who it's for
This program is ideal for students with a serious interest in musical structure, form, and meaning. Students emerge with a deeper scholarly understanding of how music is constructed and how it shapes and is shaped by societal forces.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
Students have meaningful opportunities to engage with world-renowned music theorists through special events, roundtables, and bi-weekly colloquia that enrich the regular classroom experience. All graduate students in music theory are supported by U of T’s generous standard funding package and have the opportunity to gain professional experience through teaching and research assistantships.
Career Opportunities
Having established connections within the U of T campus and Toronto’s vibrant musical community, over 80 percent of MA Music Theory graduates pursue music-related careers. Graduates find roles in areas such as arts management, law, broadcasting, library science, and teaching and research.
Postgraduate opportunities
Students holding a Master of Arts in Music Theory with an average standing of B+ or better may qualify for entry into the PhD in Music Theory program, a four-year research degree.
Curriculum
MA in Music Theory
- Introduction to Music Research
- Music Theory Graduate Seminars
- Complementary Graduate Seminars
Core Courses
In addition to a first-year introduction to music research, the core of the program consists of graduate music theory courses totaling three full credits. The majority (totaling two full credits) will be graduate-only seminars in music theory.
Electives
Students take additional graduate music theory courses or seminars in Music and Ethnomusicology. Students have the option of taking approved courses (totaling one full credit) outside of Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Music Theory. These may be offered by the Faculty of Music or some other Faculty within the university. Students may also choose to devote a course (a 0.5 credit) to completing a major research paper. In addition, students must satisfy a language requirement.
Complete admission requirements can be found at Application Materials.
Complete information on how to apply can be found at Applying.
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