Music
Explore the content and construction of music, learn the language of music, and what makes it pleasing to the ear.
Music, Theory-Composition Concentration, B.M.
The Theory-Composition Concentration in the Bachelor of Music degree is offered by the College of Liberal Arts at MTSU.
As a Theory-Composition student in the School of Music, you'll gain a thorough grounding in music theory and history, combined with instruction in conducting and solo, chamber, and ensemble performance. The Theory-Composition program provides students opportunities to examine the content and construction of music, learn the language of music and what makes it pleasing to the ear, and discover what is involved in creating musical works. With award-winning and talented faculty members, the School of Music offers solid training and guidance that can lead to careers as composers, songwriters, music editors, and arrangers. To be admitted into the Bachelor of Music degree program, all entering students must pass an audition before the faculty on their major instrument or voice. In addition, all prospective new or transfer undergraduate music majors and minors are required to take the Music Theory and Aural Skills Diagnostic Exam to determine appropriate placement in the music theory program. For additional information and to schedule a time for the exam, contact the School of Music Office.
News Briefs
MTSU music professor’s poetic collaborations earn international praise [+VIDEO]
An MTSU School of Music professor’s new CD release, featuring university colleagues performing poetry set to his compositions, is earning recognition from some of the industry’s most prestigious media. “Franchetti Songs” is a two-volume collaboration showcasing MTSU composer Michael Linton’s music and Italian American polymath Cody Franchetti’s poetry with voice and piano performances. The first [ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU music professor’s poetic collaborations earn international praise [+VIDEO]
An MTSU School of Music professor’s new CD release, featuring university colleagues performing poetry set to his compositions, is earning recognition from some of the industry’s most prestigious media. “Franchetti Songs” is a two-volume collaboration showcasing MTSU composer Michael Linton’s music and Italian American polymath Cody Franchetti’s poetry with voice and piano performances. The first [ Read More ]
Music, Theory-Composition Concentration, B.M.
Music majors in the Theory-Composition concentration at MTSU set themselves up for professional music careers or to study for advanced degrees at premier schools of music. Some alumni have continued studies for vocations outside of music. Possible job paths to consider with the degree include
- Band director/leader
- Composer/arranger/orchestrator
- Conductor
- Copyright specialist
- Film music director/editor
- Instrumental/vocal performer
- Music critic/journalist
- Music editor and publisher
- Music educator
- Music librarian
- Music software programmer
- Music theater director
- Musicologist
- Orchestra librarian
- Recording technician/engineer/mixer
- Songwriter
- Studio musician
- Studio/private teacher
- University professor
Employers hiring and graduate programs accepting MTSU alumni
- Recent alumni have gone on to graduate degrees in composition from the Boston Conservatory, the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the University of South Florida, and the University of Texas. Others have attained graduate degrees in musicology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and performance at the University of Louisville.
- Graduates have taught music in private studios and freelanced as composers, arrangers, and performers.
- Student and alumni composers have had their works performed at the Czech-AmericanSummer Music Institute in Prague, at Society of Composers conferences, on WLPN’s Live in Studio C, and at New York’s Fringe Festival.
- Alumni have been working in the publishing and recording industry, including as classical music editor for Hal Leonard Publishers and digital services manager for Naxos of America.
- Several graduates have composed for independent local films.
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
MTSU’s School of Music provides music majors with a thorough grounding in music theory and history, combined with instruction in conducting and solo, chamber, and ensemble performance. The concentration in Theory-Composition offers much more intensive training — examining the content and construction of music, learning the language of music and what makes it pleasing to the ear, and discovering what is involved in creating musical works. With award-winning and talented faculty members, MTSU’s School of Music offers aspiring students solid training and guidance that can lead to careers as composers, songwriters, music editors, or arrangers.
Public Accountability Notice
Middle Tennessee State University has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1970. The Bachelor of Music degree programs with concentrations in Instrumental Music Education and Vocal/General Music Education K-12 are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
To see data about the program, please visit this webpage: https://planeffectiveness.mtsu.edu/musicbachelor/.
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