Music Theory
Covers the fundamentals of music notation, harmony, and voice leading, enabling students to analyze and compose music.
Difficulty
Moderately challenging
Students rate Music 3.1/5 for difficulty across 7 ratings.
Average difficultyBased on 7 students across 2 schools.View review makeup
3.1/ 5
Share of students at each rating
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What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
71% would recommend it
Based on 7 reviews across 2 schools
What students say about the payoff
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Curriculum and careers
The Music major focuses on the study of music theory, history, performance, and composition. Students gain a deep understanding of musical structures, develop performance skills, and explore various genres and cultural influences in music.
Core course themes
Music History
Explores the development of music from ancient times to the present, focusing on major composers and stylistic periods.
Ear Training and Sight Singing
Develops students' ability to recognize intervals, chords, and rhythms by ear, and to sight-read music.
Performance Ensemble
Provides practical experience in performing music as part of a group, focusing on collaboration and technique.
Conducting
Teaches the basics of conducting, including beat patterns, score reading, and rehearsal techniques.
Music Composition
Introduces techniques for writing original music, including melody, harmony, and orchestration.
Common roles
- Music Teacher
- Performing Artist
- Composer
- Music Producer
- Sound Engineer
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Music by school
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Student reviews
MixedCourses & teaching
Review for Music Composition specifically. Very heavy emphasis on theory and ear training. A lot of singing required - as someone who is a poor singer, this was surprising and a challenge in my first year. More creative freedom as year goes on. Basically impossible to take a second major or more than one music minor - only 16-18 elective credits, especially with the elimination of overload scholarships.
Oct 2025
MixedAdvice & things to know
Personally I am thinking of switching as I plan on going into a healthcare career and it is hard to double major here without taking many summer classes. I do enjoy the people I have met in the music program though and enjoy being able to pursue my instrument at a higher level as a performance major.
Apr 2026
PositiveCareers & next steps
Music Industry major: it is very good for career prep and hands on learning through experience! I love the professors and real insight as well
Sep 2025
PositiveCareers & next steps
I expected to be developed more as independent artist when i applied, but feel that the rigor of this program has made me a stronger musician and greatly increased my career prospects in the industry
Oct 2025
MixedDifficulty & workload
the major itself is quite simple, but the additional internships make it quite difficult. it is hard to find time for everything.
Sep 2025
MixedEnjoyment & fit
I really love being a Music Industry major! It’s perfect for anyone who’s passionate about music or the entertainment business, even if you don’t play an instrument. The program gives you a great balance between creative and business perspectives, and you’ll meet so many talented and inspiring people working in the industry. If you’re proactive and open to opportunities, you never know what connections or projects might come your way!
Oct 2025
PositiveEnjoyment & fit
If you are not passionate you won’t make it just because of how much you need to be invested in it, but it’s very rewarding!
Oct 2025
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