Music Theory

CCM's music theory programs focus on various musical elements and how they work together to create unique compositions.

Our world-renowned faculty — who come from diverse backgrounds and specialize in every era and style from Antiquity to the present — combine rigorous academic training with opportunities for specialization in a variety of areas, helping students learn through hands-on approaches, one-on-one advising, guest lectures and semesterly seminars/colloquium that encourage intelligent discussions between peers.

At the same time, the flexibility of the curriculum and the required cognate (for doctoral students) allow them the opportunity to explore particular fields of interest — whether they be in performance, musicology or composition — to broaden their horizons and gain greater knowledge of the music they are studying. CCM Theory's position within one of the United States' top music programs also means access to acclaimed instrumental/vocal teachers and students, guaranteeing high quality feedback and interaction.

Headshot of David Carson Berry

David Carson Berry

Professor of Music Theory

513-556-9503

Headshot of Steven Joel Cahn

Steven Joel Cahn

Professor of Music Theory

513-556-7820

Headshot of C. Catherine Losada

C. Catherine Losada

Professor of Music Theory

513-556-9567

Headshot of Samuel Y. Ng

Samuel Y. Ng

Associate Professor of Music Theory

513-556-9502

Headshot of Miguel A. Roig-Francoli

Miguel A. Roig-Francoli

Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music Theory and Composition

513-556-1821

Headshot of Christopher Segall

Christopher Segall

Interim Division Head of Composition, Musicology, and Theory; Associate Professor of Music Theory

513-556-6251

CCM's admissions process begins on September 1 (graduate) for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All pre-screening materials must be received by November 15. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Required Application Materials

Additional Application Requirements

  • Submit two papers on analytical or theoretical topics
  • Papers must be received at least three weeks prior to the scheduled interview, if not submitted with the application
  • Prospective students who hold master’s degrees in other areas of music should apply for the MM in theory
  • The prerequisite for the PhD in music (music theory emphasis) is a master’s degree in music theory

Interview

Students who are invited for an interview will choose from the following dates:

  • January 16 – Cincinnati
  • January 17 – Cincinnati
  • February 12 – Cincinnati
  • February 13 – Cincinnati

Additional Information

  • Applicants should demonstrate keyboard facility, good musicianship skills and commitment to the discipline. 
  • Applicants who wish to be considered for the Yates Fellowship for underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to select one of the January interview dates 
  • For more information about the Music Theory program, contact Professor Chris Segall.

Graduate assistants teach theory and musicianship courses in the core undergraduate program.

  • Written diagnostic test: the 40-minute written diagnostic test covers undergraduate level concepts and skills in tonal harmony and voice leading. If deemed qualified by this test, applicants will be scheduled for the skills assessment and teaching demonstration later in the morning. 
  • Musicianship skills assessment: the 15-minute musicianship skills assessment will test sight-singing, rhythm and keyboard skills
  • A 10-minute teaching demonstration: applicants will deliver a mock lesson introducing the Neapolitan sixth to a sophomore “student” audience (actually a faculty interviewer). Handouts are welcome; a whiteboard and piano will be provided.
  • Applicants are urged to consult Miguel A. Roig-Francoli’s Harmony in Context, 3rd ed., in preparation for the audition
  • For additional information, contact Professor Chris Segall.

The master's program is designed to provide a comprehensive course of study in music theory and analysis as well as related subject areas. A candidate is expected to acquire a broad knowledge of music theory and will be introduced to the issues, concepts, and methods pertinent to the field of study. Determination of a candidate's specific responsibilities will be made by an academic adviser and the director of graduate studies. The MM in music theory helps students acquire competence in the broad range of endeavors characteristic of music theory including:

To accomplish these goals, students will also need to develop the requisite skills in musicianship, languages, etc. Determination of a student's specific responsibilities will be made by a principal adviser, cognate adviser and director of graduate studies.

The PhD program in music theory is designed to provide a comprehensive course of study in the theory, literature, and philosophy of music and related subject areas. As opposed to the MM program, the coursework for the PhD program is made up of rotating specialized seminars that offer in-depth coverage of specific areas of interest. Students are expected to acquire competence in the broad range of endeavors characteristic of music theory, including:

  • Research
  • Writing
  • Conference paper presentations
  • Writing and Publishing a Doctoral Dissertation
  • Teaching ability to demonstrate intellectual breadth through the completion of a significant program of study in a secondary field (cognate).

To accomplish these goals, students will also need to develop the requisite skills in musicianship, languages, etc. Determination of a student's specific responsibilities will be made by a principal adviser, cognate adviser, and director of graduate studies.

Required Music Theory Cognate Courses

  • Pedagogy of Theory (16 THRY 7015) 3 (offered in the Spring every other year)
  • Set Theory I (16 THRY 8011) 3 (offered in the Fall every other year)
  • Schenkerian Analysis I (16 THRY 8015) 3 (offered in the Fall every other year, in alternation with Set Theory 1)

Cognate electives (12 hours needed)

Any non-required graduate theory courses are acceptable. Possible recommended electives include:

  • 16th-Century Counterpoint
  • 18th-Century Counterpoint
  • Special Topics
  • Readings in Music Theory
  • Advanced Topics: Rhythm and Meter
  • Aesthetics
  • Schenker 2
  • Set Theory 2

If you visit our Thesis and Dissertation Requirements page you will be guided on how to submit your Master's Thesis. Your thesis is the major work written during your residency. When you and your teacher decide which piece this should be, the link will give you all of the steps you should follow to submit it successfully. This involves paperwork to be signed by the faculty approving your thesis and some very specific instructions on how to format the work. This must be submitted before you can apply for graduation. 

News and Events

1

CCM professor wins Outstanding Publication Award from Society of...

November 20, 2023

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music congratulates Steven Cahn, Professor of Music Theory, on his receipt of the prestigious 2023 Outstanding Publication Award. Representing the highest honor awarded by the Society for Music Theory, this distinction was given to Cahn’s recent article “Schoenberg, Al-Kindī, and the Unbound Braid: A Rendezvous in Barcelona a Thousand Years in the Making” (Musical Quarterly, vol. 104, nos. 3–4, 2021).

3

Counseling services available to CCM students through embedded...

August 16, 2023

CCM students can now access counseling services within the CCM Village thanks to the addition of a CAPS embedded clinician. A member of UC’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff, Dalziel Reliford-Stone (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision (LPCC-S) who will serve as an embedded clinician for CCM and DAAP. In this new position, Dalziel hopes to work with students and staff to support a culture that embraces authenticity, self-acceptance and wholeness.

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