Music Theory and Composition: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Music Theory and Composition is a rigorous academic discipline centered on the intellectual and creative foundations of musical creation. It equips students with the analytical tools and practical skills necessary to understand, manipulate, and innovate within the structure of music across diverse traditions and media.
- Aural Theory: The development of advanced listening skills to identify and interpret musical elements such as pitch, rhythm, and harmony by ear.
- Melody Construction: The principles and techniques involved in crafting expressive, coherent, and structurally sound melodic lines.
- Counterpoint: The art of combining independent melodic lines in a harmonically and rhythmically balanced way, rooted in historical and contemporary practices.
- Complex Harmony: In-depth exploration of extended chords, voice leading, and harmonic relationships beyond basic tonal structures.
- Modulation: The strategic shifting between musical keys, emphasizing smooth transitions and structural coherence in compositions.
- Chromaticism: The use of non-diatonic tones and chromatic scales to expand harmonic and melodic expression.
- Improvisation: The spontaneous creation of music in real time, emphasizing creativity, technical fluency, and stylistic awareness.
- Harmonic Progressions: The study and application of chord sequences that support and drive musical form and emotional narrative.
- Musical Writing: The craft of composing original works for various ensembles and settings, with attention to form, texture, and thematic development.
- Instrumentation: The knowledge of individual instrument characteristics, ranges, and capabilities for effective and idiomatic writing.
- Orchestration: The art of assigning musical material to instruments in an ensemble to achieve desired color, balance, and dramatic effect.
- Electronic and Computer Applications: The integration of digital tools, software, and technology in music creation, editing, and production.
- Study of Specific Musical Styles: In-depth analysis of historical and cultural musical traditions, including classical, jazz, contemporary, and world music genres.
- Development of Original Creative Ability: The cultivation of personal artistic voice through sustained composition, experimentation, and critical reflection.
Music Theory and Composition Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Music Theory and Composition Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Music Theory and Composition degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary and Music Directors and Composers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 110,220 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Music Directors and Composers 27-2041 | $63,670 | $34,990 - $157,010 | 12,330 | $30.61 |
Salary Comparison
Music Theory and Composition Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,215 in Alabama to $103,385 in Hawaii—a 114% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 110,220 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Music Theory and Composition by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Music Theory and Composition programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Music Theory and Composition is found at Berklee College of Music (271 graduates), Los Angeles Film School (LAFS) (219 graduates), New York University (NYU) (64 graduates), Academy of Art University (29 graduates), and California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) (27 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,279 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berklee College of Music |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
271 | N/A | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | berklee.edu |
| Los Angeles Film School (LAFS) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
219 | N/A | Hollywood, California | Private | lafilm.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
64 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Academy of Art University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
29 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Private | academyart.edu |
| California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
27 | N/A | Valencia, California | Private | calarts.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
25 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
23 |
SAT: 1530-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
20 | N/A | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | necmusic.edu |
| The New School |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
20 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | newschool.edu |
| Stark State College |
Other Award
|
20 | N/A | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
19 |
SAT: 1350-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 | SAT: 1140-1420 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
|
19 |
SAT: 1150-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| University of Missouri (UMKC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 |
SAT: 1150-1540 ACT: 21-29 |
Kansas City, Missouri | Public | umkc.edu |
| The Juilliard School |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | juilliard.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 840-1150 ACT: 20-27 |
Danbury, Connecticut | Public | wcsu.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
15 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| SUNY |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 1178-1363 ACT: 27-32 |
Purchase, New York | Public | purchase.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 |
SAT: 1400-1540 ACT: 31-34 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 1100-1270 ACT: 24-28 |
West Chester, Pennsylvania | Public | wcupa.edu |
| Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
12 | N/A | Pasadena, California | Private | lacm.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Musicians Institute (MI) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | N/A | Hollywood, California | Private | mi.edu |
| Manhattan School of Music (MSM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | msmnyc.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1130-1360 ACT: 22-30 |
Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) |
Master's
|
10 | N/A | Montpelier, Vermont | Private | vcfa.edu |
| University of Hartford (UHart) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 25-32 |
West Hartford, Connecticut | Private | hartford.edu |
| Longy School of Music of Bard College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 | N/A | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | longy.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 22-27 |
Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Amarillo College |
Associate's
|
9 | N/A | Amarillo, Texas | Public | actx.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| Rice University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-36 |
Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1400-1520 ACT: 32-34 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Wheaton College |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1260-1440 ACT: 27-32 |
Wheaton, Illinois | Private | wheaton.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Private | sfcm.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 950-1200 ACT: 20-29 |
Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| Roosevelt University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 820-1090 ACT: 21-29 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | roosevelt.edu |
| Butler University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1180-1360 ACT: 26-31 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | butler.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1490-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Ithaca College (IC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1190-1370 ACT: 27-31 |
Ithaca, New York | Private | ithaca.edu |
| Lewis & Clark College |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1210-1390 ACT: 28-31 |
Portland, Oregon | Private | lclark.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 33-35 |
New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1270-1510 ACT: 29-34 |
Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| SUNY |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1060-1290 ACT: 21-28 |
Fredonia, New York | Public | fredonia.edu |
| Dallas College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | N/A | Dallas, Texas | Public | dallascollege.edu |
| Lawrence University |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1200-1430 ACT: 27-32 |
Appleton, Wisconsin | Private | lawrence.edu |
| Chapman University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1250-1430 ACT: 28-32 |
Orange, California | Private | chapman.edu |
| University of the Pacific (UOP) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 23-31 |
Stockton, California | Private | pacific.edu |
| Bradley University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1090-1300 ACT: 25-31 |
Peoria, Illinois | Private | bradley.edu |
| Columbia College Chicago (CCC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | colum.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1220-1410 ACT: 23-30 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 21-27 |
Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Manhattan College |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1150-1340 ACT: 22-31 |
Riverdale, New York | Private | manhattan.edu |
| Nazareth University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1170-1330 ACT: 25-30 |
Rochester, New York | Private | www2.naz.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 1260-1430 ACT: 28-32 |
Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Baldwin Wallace University (BW) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1050-1285 ACT: 20-27 |
Berea, Ohio | Private | bw.edu |
| Youngstown State University (YSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 940-1210 ACT: 17-24 |
Youngstown, Ohio | Public | ysu.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| Temple University |
Master's
|
4 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| University of Denver (DU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1240-1410 ACT: 29-32 |
Denver, Colorado | Private | du.edu |
| The Catholic University of America |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 | N/A | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | catholic.edu |
| DePaul University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1130-1340 ACT: 26-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 860-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| Brandeis University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1390-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| Rider University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 22-29 |
Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| Houghton University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1180-1390 ACT: 23-28 |
Houghton, New York | Private | houghton.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | N/A | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Curtis Institute of Music |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | curtis.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1510-1560 ACT: 34-35 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1320-1480 ACT: 30-34 |
Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| Biola University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1130-1360 ACT: 24-30 |
La Mirada, California | Private | biola.edu |
| University of California (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| University of Redlands |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2 |
SAT: 1078-1323 ACT: 25-30 |
Redlands, California | Private | redlands.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Elmhurst University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 23-28 |
Elmhurst, Illinois | Private | elmhurst.edu |
| Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 960-1190 ACT: 18-28 |
Bourbonnais, Illinois | Private | olivet.edu |
| Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 970-1180 ACT: 19-28 |
Marion, Indiana | Private | indwes.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2 |
SAT: 970-1250 ACT: 18-26 |
Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Loyola University New Orleans (LOYNO) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | loyno.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1128-1335 ACT: 23-28 |
Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| College of the Ozarks (C of O) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1063-1305 ACT: 20-25 |
Point Lookout, Missouri | Private | cofo.edu |
| Keene State College (KSC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Keene, New Hampshire | Public | keene.edu |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1330-1500 ACT: 30-34 |
Troy, New York | Private | rpi.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
|
2 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1430-1540 ACT: 32-35 |
Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Oberlin College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1370-1510 ACT: 30-33 |
Oberlin, Ohio | Private | oberlin.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
2 |
SAT: 1100-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Oklahoma City University (OCU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2 | ACT: 20-26 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Private | okcu.edu |
| Clackamas Community College (CCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | N/A | Oregon City, Oregon | Public | clackamas.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Music Theory and Composition programs
How much can I earn with a Music Theory and Composition degree?
Salaries for Music Theory and Composition graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Music Directors and Composers earn around $63,670. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $103,385 compared to $48,215 in Alabama. Approximately 110,220 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Music Theory and Composition programs?
Currently 147 accredited institutions offer Music Theory and Composition degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Berklee College of Music (271 graduates), Los Angeles Film School (LAFS) (219 graduates), and New York University (NYU) (64 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Music Theory and Composition growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 877 in 2010 to 1,336 in 2023-24. This represents a 52% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Music Theory and Composition degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Music Directors and Composers, . Related occupations employ approximately 110,220 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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