Music Theory

At Mannes, the study of music theory has long been considered essential to our students’ development as musicians and musical thinkers. Music theory is taught by the faculty of the Techniques of Music Department (TOM), which also encompasses musicianship. Students in all BM programs at Mannes receive comprehensive multi-year training in theory and ear training. Students pursuing the MM degree or Professional Studies Diploma (PDPL) take courses to solidify their understanding of theory and to acquire the analytical skills needed for more advanced study.

TOM faculty members teach an array of graduate seminars that are available to all majors. Among the theory seminars regularly offered are Analysis, Music of Stravinsky, Techniques of the Modern Era, The Ring Cycle, Expectation and Expression in Music, and Pedagogy. Mannes was the first American institution to teach Schenkerian analysis, a tradition that we continue to carry forward.
 
In addition to completing graduate coursework open to all MM students, graduate Theory majors receive four semesters of private theory lessons with members of Mannes’ distinguished Theory faculty. These lessons cultivate curiosity and critical thinking as they develop analytical, research, and writing skills. MM students in other majors can apply to add the Theory major as one part of a double major. Many of Mannes’ MM students have gone on to highly respected PhD programs in music theory, including those at the CUNY Graduate Center, the University of Michigan, and Florida State University.
 
The BM in Theory is a four-year program that provides rigorous training in theory and theory-related study. In addition, the program includes two years of private lessons in piano and two years of theory lessons. To enrich the study of music theory and related fields for the entire Mannes community, the TOM Department organizes extra-curricular events, including the Techniques of Music Distinguished Scholars Lecture Series, faculty and alumni paper readings, and presentations by Mannes’ Visiting Scholar. If you have questions about studying theory at Mannes, please contact Professor Robert Cuckson at [email protected].