Undergraduate Student Registration 

Theory & History Core Sequence

We run several sections of the theory and history courses. For theory courses, please see this page for course numbers, pre-requisites, semester offerings, and course descriptions. A list of the history courses with required requisites is included below. 

Please check Albert for detailed section information, including Class Nbr. Please consult with your advisor to determine the required courses for your major. 

Music Fundamentals Summer Course

Music Fundamentals (MPATC-UE 1300) is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters. We also offer an accelerated online version of the course in the second 6-week summer session for students who just need a quick review. Here's more about the course: 

What is the course name in Albert? 

• MPATC-UE 1300

When does the course meet? 

• Course Mode: Online

• Dates: July 3-August 15 (2nd 6-Week Summer Session)

• Course Time: This is a fully online asynchronous course. You will be arranging individual bi-weekly appointment times with the instructor for one-on-one meetings, but there are no formal course meeting times. You'll complete the work independently through online course modules. 

How does the Summer section of  Fundamentals differ from the course that runs in the Fall and Spring semesters?

• If a student scores below 50% on the Fundamentals placement exam we do not recommend the summer section of Fundamentals. 

• It's an intense 6-week accelerated version of the course: 

• • • It moves quicker: The fall and spring courses are 15 weeks; the summer course condenses the same material into 6 weeks.  This is a good option for students who need to review material, but not a good option for students learning it for the first time. 

    • It's a much heavier workload: Because the course is covering 2–3x more material each week. You'll have readings and assignments due five days/week for 6 weeks. Students should expect to spend about 2– 3 hours/week reviewing lesson materials and 4–8 hours/week completing assignments (depending on the level of proficiency they're coming into the course with). 

• It's an online asynchronous course rather than an in-person course. 

  • • What this means is that you'll be working independently through online material with guided help from your instructor. There is a minimum pace that you'll be required to maintain to finish the course on time, but you may also move more quickly through the material if you already have background on a topic. 

Is this course a good option for me? 

• Do you already have some background in music theory? AND are you self-motivated and up for a challenge? 

  • • We don't recommend the summer course for students unless they have already completed some music theory and scored above 50% on the placement exam. It moves fast; it's a lot of information to absorb in 6 weeks if it's brand new material. However, if you took the placement exam and recognized a lot of the material, but weren't quite able to pass out of the course, the summer class could be a good option for you. It's a quick way to brush up on material and work independently at your own pace. Some students are able to complete the course in fewer than 6 weeks. 

• Do you need to complete your theory requirements in under 2.5 years? For most incoming students, this isn't necessary. Your advisor will work with you to set up a plan that includes Fundamentals in the Fall term. If you're transferring in or starting your music requirements late, however, this may be a helpful option for completing your requirements on time. Talk to your advisor to determine which options are best for you. 

• Is financial aid a requirement? Speak to your advisor. Financial aid is not typically available for summer courses. 

How do I register? 

• New Students: Speak with your advisor and let them know that you're interested in registering for a summer course. They'll be able to assist you in getting set up for summer registration if it is still an option. Once you're clear to register, fill out this form and the theory program will send you a permission code to register. Please note: financial aid is not available for summer courses. 

• Current or Returning Students: You should be able to register on your own for summer classes. If you need consent, you can fill out this form and we'll send you a permission code to register. Please note: financial aid is not available for summer courses. 

Music Theory Electives

Please check Albert for detailed section information, including Class Nbr.

Course Title: Music Theory for Non-Majors

• Course Number: MPATC-UE 1022

• Course Description:  This course introduces students to the basic elements of melody, harmony, and rhythm in music and how they combine to create musical meaning. A major emphasis of the course is hands-on music experimentation, including guided in-class performance and the use of music apps, software, and other technology. Students study a diverse body of musical examples drawn from classical, popular, and world music via projects completed in the classroom and in New York City. No prior musical experience is required. 

• Notes: This course does not count toward credits for the music major or minor. Non-majors may enroll in this course without taking the music theory placement exam. 

Course Title: 16th-Century Counterpoint (MPATC-UE 1018)

• Notes: This course only runs in even-numbered years (e.g. the course will run in Spring of 2026, 2028, etc.)

• Course Description: Study of compositional approaches in the 16th & 18th century including species counterpoint & fugue.

• Requisites: Students must have completed all required core theory courses for their degree prior to registering. Request a permission code to register here. 

• Instructor: Panos Mavromatis

• Link to Syllabus

Course Title: 18th-Century Counterpoint (MPATC-UE 1019)

• Notes: This course only runs in odd-numbered years (e.g. the course will run in Spring of 2025, 2027, etc.)

• Course Description: Study of compositional approaches in the 18th century. Students will engage with 18th-century practice through analysis and model composition.

• Requisites: Students must have completed all required core theory courses for their degree prior to registering. Request a permission code to register here. 

• Instructor: Panos Mavromatis

• Link to Syllabus 

Undergraduate students are also welcome to take graduate music theory electives in the junior or senior year with permission from their program advisor. Students must have completed all required core theory courses before requesting permission to take a graduate theory course and be in good academic standing. You may review the list of graduate electives here. Request a permission code to register here.