An orchestra plays in Oceanway Studios.
Undergraduate | In-Person

Music Theory, BM

Dive deep into analysis and composition of music, no matter your style.

Why Major in Music Theory? 

Belmont's Music Theory Major provides a strong foundation in the analysis and composition of a variety of musical styles. You'll focus on critical thinking and writing skills while preparing for graduate study in music theory, music history or conducting.

Instruments of study within the Bachelor of Music in Music Theory are: Voice, Viola, Violin, Cello, Classical Bass, Harp, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Organ, Piano and Guitar. The degree culminates in a 25-minute recital in McAfee Concert Hall.

What You'll Learn

  • inline-music-theory.jpgComposition Lessons
  • Orchestration
  • Counterpoint
  • Topics in Advanced Analysis
  • History of Music: Ancient–1700
  • Computer Music Notation
A close-up image of the strings on a guitar.

Career Possibilities

  • Writer of original research in music theory
  • University professor in music theory
  • Graduate student in programs such as Belmont’s Master of Music in Composition

Program Details

Bachelor of Music in Music Theory majors complete 132 hours of coursework over the course of their undergraduate career. This includes an array of courses that gives our students the necessary training for industry success.

  • BELL Core Requirements: 38 Hours (minimum)
  • Music Core: 37 Hours
  • Major Area: 43 Hours
  • General Electives: 12 Hours (minimum)

Learn more about the degree requirements

Ensembles & Performance Opportunities

Belmont University's School of Music has a variety of ensembles that showcase the School of Music's incredible musical diversity. From classical chamber groups to popular music ensembles, students have access to many performance opportunities that support the development of their craft.

Explore Ensembles

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See our Calendar of Events

The Belmont University School of Music is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

All programs in the School of Music require an audition. The audition determines admission into the School of Music, which is separate from the University's admission decision.

After submitting the Application for Undergraduate Admission, applicants to the School of Music will receive an email prompting them to complete the Undergraduate School of Music Audition Registration Form in their BU4U account. They will choose their intended in-person audition date or the video audition option.

The School of Music does not prescreen for any of its programs.

Learn more about the audition process

You will be automatically considered for a School of Music talent-based scholarship when you audition. If you are chosen for a scholarship, you will receive an award letter.

Explore Music Scholarships

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Contact Us

College of Music & Performing Arts

Alex Routen
Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8116
Email Alex