Music Theory

Creative analysis and critical examination of assumptions about music and musical discourse constitute the core of graduate study in Music Theory at Washington University. Graduate students committed to the close study of musical works and the processof musical thinking will find a welcome environment at the Department, which offers the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Music Theory,. The graduate program prepares students to undertake research in musical analysis and in the language and methodology of music theory. Preparation includes guiding each student in developing his or her own modes of thought and expression.From the beginning of their course of study, students develop mentor relationships with faculty members and undertake independent reading and research projects. All students participate in the Theory Colloquium, where graduate students and faculty meet regularly to discuss their current research, topics of common interest, recent publications, and musical works.

Faculty research interests encompass critical examination of methodology, contextual, and phenomenological analysis, Schenkerian theory, serial analysis, the role of figurative language in apprehending musical works, gender studies, and comparative studies in literary theory. The research of the theory faculty is focused most closely on Western European repertory from the 18th to the 20th centuries.