Composition + Theory
Composition
The Composition part of our curriculum helps student composers develop their skills regardless of prior experience. Students can receive compositional training in a wide variety of genres, from the avant-garde to classical tonality, from jazz arranging to electronic music. Advanced students may participate in a composition seminar, which includes opportunities for readings, or informal performances, by professional ensembles and the MIT Symphony Orchestra.
Composition is also an integral part of many other music subjects, from Jazz Composition and Electronic Music to the Harmony/Counterpoint sequence, where students compose original pieces in various period styles.
Our composition faculty includes distinguished composers such as Derek David, Molly Herron, Pascal Le Boeuf, Keeril Makan, Charles Shadle, Evan Ziporyn, and Miguel Zenón.
Theory
The Theory part of our curriculum accommodates all skill levels and gives students a solid grounding in the harmonic and contrapuntal techniques of tonal music while expanding into contemporary practices in both classical music and jazz.
Theory is taught by our music theorists, music analysts, music pedagogy specialists, and composers.