Harvard University allows students to focus on a concentration in music, which calls for students to take courses in music theory and history. The school features a wide variety of musical theory courses, although it does not have an actual school of music to put on performances. All students who take this program will have a number of different options through the specialized electives offered through the Harvard Department of Music.
Yale features a music major program that calls for students to learn a great deal about the history and theory of music. This program begins in the medieval period and goes to the present, with students studying different composers and genres of music along the way. Students will have some choices when selecting which courses to take, although all students must take at least two music theory courses to demonstrate an understanding of this subject matter.
At Princeton, students with an interest in music theory will have four different instructors with which to work. While the school does not have a music theory program, those with an interest in theory will find enough courses to increase their knowledge through the music program. Princeton offers many different specialized music courses and any student focusing on music theory will have the opportunity to specialize his or her program to meet the course designs that he or she desires.
At UCLA, students attend classes at the Herb Alpert School of Music. Degree requirements include courses in musical theory, as well as learning about the history and political influence of music. The world music program at UCLA features theory courses relative to all the continents of the world, making it one of the more diverse music schools in the country.
Students who attend the Department of Music at Stanford University can choose between performance, conducting, composition and theory/history. Those who study theory at Stanford can choose between modern theory and jazz theory, while having the option to take courses outside of their field of study if desired. Those from outside of the music program can also take these courses as electives, as they will help the student to increase his or her appreciation of music.