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Theory Major

Bachelor of Music in Theory

Sharpen your analytical abilities through the study of counterpoint, keyboard and orchestration with the Bachelor of Music (BM) in Theory degree program in Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Prepare to be a well-rounded musician and apply your skills to composition, performance, research or teaching.

The Department of Music Studies emphasizes the ability to analyze both tonal and contemporary music. Through coursework and practice you will acquire compositional facility in a variety of styles. Enhance your skills in theory by studying

  • analysis,
  • counterpoint,
  • ear training,
  • harmony,
  • keyboard and
  • orchestration.

Students seeking this full-time, 123-credit degree in Music Theory will choose a concentration of Instrumental, Piano or Voice.

    Faculty

    Discover music theory faculty in the Boyer College of Music and Dance.

    Explore Boyer Faculty

    Classes & Curriculum

    The Bachelor of Music in Theory curriculum includes

    • Basic Conducting,
    • Counterpoint,
    • Music in History and
    • Theory Seminar.

    Ensemble practice courses such as Concert Choir and Instrumental Ensemble make up a significant portion of the curriculum. Students also complete Temple’s General Studies curriculum and take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses.

    Learn more about required and elective courses for the Bachelor of Music in Theory degree.

    Related Graduate Degrees

    Related Graduate Certificates

    Student plays the violin during rehearsal.

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Music offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

    These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $22,248.00 per year
    Out-of-state: $39,072.00 per year

    Our Academic Advisors

    The Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts has a centralized advising office with five staff members. This advising team serves all undergraduate students in the Boyer College of Music and Dance and the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts.

    Advisors help students navigate the undergraduate curriculum for each degree program. The academic advising team for music, dance, theater, and film and media arts majors is located in Mitten Hall, Suite 200 West.

    To schedule an advising appointment based on your individual needs or for more help, contact the advising team.
    Phone: 215-204-2227

    Schedule an advising appointment.

    Program Contact

    Cynthia Folio, professor and Chair of Music Studies, is the program contact.
    Phone: 215-204-8316
    Email:

    Student Clubs & Organizations

    Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. There are more than 200 student organizations at Temple University.

    • ConTemplum hosts numerous concerts, forums and seminars to foster a community of musicians who are dedicated to exploring contemporary musical ideas and performing new compositions.
    • Music Technology & Business Society of Temple University provides students with guidance and support for navigating the complex network of the modern music industry, in addition to providing space in which members can meet and discuss various creative and technical topics.
    • Temple University Theory and Musicology Society (THEMUS) gives students an open forum to discuss and develop scholarly work within the disciplines of music theory and musicology. Each semester, THEMUS hosts guest, faculty and student lectures. THEMUS organizes a regional graduate student conference each year for theory and musicology.

    Learn more about clubs and organizations.

    Study Away

    Temple’s study away programs offers all full-time, degree-seeking students the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or summer abroad. Host countries include Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain.

    Study abroad advisors will help you with your study abroad plans for either a Temple program or an external program.

    Learn more about your options for studying away.

    Accreditation

    The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the

    Concentrations

    This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

    • Viola
    • Trombone
    • Percussion
    • French Horn
    • Voice
    • Classical Guitar
    • Cello
    • Tuba
    • Harpsichord
    • Flute
    • Euphonium
    • Trumpet
    • Saxophone
    • Violin
    • Piano
    • Clarinet
    • Double Bass
    • Harp
    • Bassoon
    • Oboe

    Additional Program Information