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 eligible 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: This course runs in the final 6-week summer session. See the NYU academic calendar for specific dates. 

• 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?

• Based on how a student scores on the Fundamentals placement exam, they may be eligible for 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 have some background in music theory and are you self-motivated, ready for a challenge? 

  • • Eligibility for this course is determined based on the student's placement exam. This is because the course is designed for students who already have some familiarity with music theory fundamentals and need only a quick review or to fill in some gaps. The pace is fast, and it covers a lot of material in just 6 weeks, which can be overwhelming if the content is entirely new to you.

    • If you took the placement exam and recognized much of the material, but didn’t quite pass out of the course, this summer class might be a great option for you. It allows you to review material quickly and work independently at your own pace—some students finish in fewer than 6 weeks.

• Do you need to complete your theory requirements in less than 2.5 years? For most students, this isn’t necessary, as your advisor will help you create a plan that includes Fundamentals during the Fall term. However, if you're transferring in or starting your music theory requirements later, this course might help you stay on track. Talk to your advisor to explore the best options for your situation.

• Is financial aid a factor? If financial aid is essential for you, speak to your advisor. Typically, financial aid is not available for summer courses, so it's important to discuss your options in advance.

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: 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.