Graduate Certificate in Music Theory

PLEASE NOTE:   This program is not a degree.  Only students currently enrolled in a graduate music degree or applicants applying for admission to another graduate music degree are eligible to apply.  If you are a prospective student interested in the Master of Music in Music Theory degree, please visit this page.

All materials below must be received by Dec 1.  Applicants will be notified by mid-December about whether they are invited to interview in early February.  Applicants invited to interview may choose to do so in person on the MSU campus or remotely via videoconference.

College of Music Supplemental Application

Submit the online College of Music Supplemental Application for the Certificate in Music Theory.  Be sure you have selected the application type as College of Music Supplemental Application.  DO NOT select the Graduate Certificate application.

Personal Statement

Applicants must submit either a written statement of 500 to 700 words or a video statement of no more than 5 minutes that explains why they are interested in earning a graduate degree in music theory, how the degree fits in with and prepares them for their intended professional career, and how their prior experience prepares them to succeed in this degree program. Applicants should discuss their interests and experiences in both research and teaching, as applicable. Relevant teaching experience could include classroom teaching, tutoring, private instruction, or coaching, for example, either within or outside music theory. Relevant research experience might include papers or projects completed in courses or with the guidance of an instructor, books or articles read as part of an independent study, areas of interest within music theory, projects in progress, or other creative work.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION:  If submitting a video, upload this to the Digital Portfolio section of the College of Music Supplemental Application.  If doing a written statement, upload it as a normal document.

Writing Sample

Submit at least two, but as many as three, scholarly essays that demonstrate clear and persuasive writing as well as analytical engagement with one or more piece(s) of music or topic(s) in music theory.  It is not necessary for the essays to incorporate other published scholarship such as that from music theory journals and books, although that is certainly welcome.  Overall, the writing should demonstrate an applicant’s analytical skill and thoughtfulness as well as the ability to express these thoughts clearly.

Curriculum Vitae

Provide a curriculum vitae that includes all relevant education and professional experience including:

• Educational background
• List of music theory courses taken
• Research experience (significant papers or presentations, software you have developed, articles or books you have read closely, topics you have explored independently)
• Research interests
• Teaching and/or tutoring experience (music theory and other subjects)
• Other relevant professional information

Letters of Recommendation

Request letters of recommendation from three individuals familiar with your work in music theory courses, your research and scholarly abilities, and your experience and capabilities as a teacher.  Internal applicants may request letters from MSU music theory faculty.

Musicianship Skills (Written)

Download this document, complete the activities either by hand or using notation software, and submit a PDF of your realizations. Please note that we are looking for competence rather than perfection here.

Musicianship Skills (Practical)

Download this document and video-record yourself performing straight through the activities in one take. Please do not edit multiple takes together. The video should show you as well as the piano or keyboard you are using. If you are unable to create a video file, an audio recording that begins with you stating your full name would be fine.  Submit the video or audio file through the College of Music application.  Please note that we are looking for competence rather than perfection here.

Optional Portfolio

Applicants may, but need not, submit other examples of work in music theory, such as compositions in historic styles, counterpoint exercises, or other items representative of their work in music theory.

Interview

Complete applications will be reviewed in December. Within two weeks of the Dec 1 review, select candidates will be invited to the MSU campus to interview on a Friday in early February.  Please contact Dr. Gordon Sly for details.

Transcripts

Upload one unofficial copy of a transcript from every post-secondary school attended.  Official copies from the school are not required.

Graduate Certificate Application

This separate application goes directly to the Graduate School and is not required until you have been offered admission based on the College of Music admissions process above.  Do not submit this application unless you are certain you plan to begin the program.  There is an application fee.  Please submit the application but DO NOT pay the fee.  Instead, write MUSIC.admissions@msu.edu to inform you have submitted and are requesting an application fee waiver.