Overview

Whether you are an emerging professional theorist, composer, teacher, or performer, New England Conservatory of Music program of Music Theory Department provides an intellectually rigorous and supportive environment to pursue your field of research in one of the world’s most musically inspiring institutions.

The Music Theory Department distinguishes itself through a tradition of innovation, a hands-on approach to teaching theory, and a strong emphasis on technology integration. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, covering essential skills such as sight-singing, score reading, conducting, and the comprehensive exploration of musical works in relation to performance and composition. Emphasizing the integration of music technology as an accelerator for developing and applying musical skills, we acknowledge technology’s increasing role within the landscape of the field.

Key facts

What truly distinguishes the Music Theory Department is its exceptional faculty, who are actively engaged in theoretical research, composition, improvisation, and performance. Their expertise and dedication foster a student-centric, project-based approach to teaching and learning, creating an environment that encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and community-building from the outset of the curriculum.

The faculty’s diverse areas of expertise cover a broad spectrum of topics in theory electives, from the modal systems of Asia and Ghanaian music to vocal and instrumental counterpoint and the study of Common Practice repertoire. The elective choices enable students to explore a wide array of musical concepts, genres, and cultural influences in the repertoire of the 20th and 21st centuries. Moreover, students can engage with and specialize in their area of interest through the theory minor’s faculty-guided capstone project.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Schenkerian Analysis & Performance

Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint

Music Since 1945

Microtonal Practice
Fugue in the Style of Bach

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

42 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Musicology View 293 other Masters in Musicology in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission to the Masters of Music program at NEC requires a completed bachelor’s degree, or its recognized equivalent, from an accredited college or university. The Masters of Music curriculum focuses on studio and ensemble work, supplemented by academic course requirements in musicology and music theory, as well as coursework that is complementary to your chosen major. Additional study is provided through frequent masterclasses, guest artists, and repertoire classes.

Auditions are a core aspect of Conservatory admission.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year
Out-of-State

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

61561 USD / year

≈ 61561 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Theory.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners