Master of Music in Music Theory

All materials below must be received by Dec 1.  Incomplete applications after this date will not be considered.  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.

University and Music Supplemental Applications

When you create your account, you will be asked to select an application type. You will be creating two applications; a Graduate Application* and also the College of Music Supplemental Application. Both are due Dec 1.

* If you are applying for this degree and are currently enrolled in another degree in the College of Music, or are applying for one, DO NOT submit a Graduate Application for MM in Music Theory at this time.  Instead, wait for the College of Music to notify you of a decision.  Specific details about how to proceed with the Graduate Application will be provided at that time.

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. IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Only the Graduate Application requests letters of recommendations.  The College of Music Supplemental Application intentionally does not.  The letters received on the Graduate Application will be copied to the College of Music Application automatically.

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.  Please note that we are looking for competence rather than perfection here.  After submitting the College of Music Supplemental application, you will have access to the Digital Portfolio.  Upload your media and scores there.  You must submit the Music Supplement first, and then upload.

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. Media files can only be uploaded to the Digital Portfolio section.

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, area chairperson of music theory, for further details.

Transcripts

Prior to Dec 1, we allow applicants to upload unofficial copies of all their post-secondary transcripts and diplomas. Admitted students must submit official copies directly from their schools in order to matriculate. For transcripts from schools within the United States and Canada, we prefer electronic delivery from your school’s service, if available. If not, or for schools outside the U.S. or Canada, transcripts and diplomas must be mailed by the institution directly to the College of Music at the address below.

College of Music – Office of Admissions
Michigan State University
333 W Circle Dr, rm 149
East Lansing, MI 48824