Yale University's School of Music offers degrees in music with specializations in both music theory and music composition. The composition program offers study in tonal and non-tonal music, computer music and recording techniques. The theory program offers instruction in both music theory and music history with a focus on research and analysis of Western music. Education Portal, an online college search resource, lists Yale as the top music school in the country.
Yale University
School of Music
98 Wall Street
New Haven CT 06511
203-432-4155
yale.edu
With a focus on both tonal and non-tonal music, counterpoint and fugue, the Berklee College of Music's composition program offers comprehensive study in both traditional and contemporary musical composition. The faculty of Berklee includes 25 active composers and conductors. The college prepares students for future careers as teachers and scholars of music theory and music history.
Berklee College of Music
1140 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-266-1400
berklee.edu
The Juilliard School's music division offers master's and bachelor's degrees as well as high school diploma's in music. Students of all levels learn a comprehensive music education with intensive instruction in theory and composition. Students, who must audition for the program, also have the option of earning their music degree in composition. According to US News & World Report's 2010 rankings, Julliard has "set this country's standard for education in the performing arts."
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
212-799-5000
julliard.edu
The music conservatory at Oberlin College provides students with the opportunity to earn music degrees in composition and music theory. However the music theory degrees must be one half of a double major. The college exposes students to variety of contemporary and classical music composition styles and instructs students in the principles and technicalities of music theory.
Oberlin College
148 West College Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
440-774-7722
oberlin.edu
Students of Harvard University's department of music earn either a bachelor's or master's degree in music with concentrations in composition and theory. All students receive at least two years of intensive theory study as well as composition classes where they create musical pieces. Graduate students also receive access to relevant music organizations such as the Society for Music Theory.
Harvard University
Department of Music
Music Building
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-495-2791
harvard.edu
The Curtis Institute of Music offers scholarships that cover the full-tuition of every student therefore they are a highly selective institution. The bachelor's degree students receive a full training in music theory and composition, which include intensive training in counterpoint, sight singing, analysis and harmony techniques as well as full study of Western music.
Curtis Institute of Music
1726 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-893-5252
curtis.edu
While undergraduate students of Princeton's department of music receive a comprehensive music education, the graduate candidates receive the opportunity to specialize in music theory and composition. The Princeton faculty includes professional composers in a variety of music styles including rock, classical and computer-music. The school, tied with Harvard as the top university of 2010 by US News & World Report, stresses the importance of the students' own creative composition interests.
Princeton University
Nassau Hall
Princeton, NJ 08542
609-258-3000
princeton.edu
New York University's Steinhardt School requires four years of comprehensive theory and compositions study from its music majors. Students may specialize their degree in composition with the opportunity to focus on film, theater, computer and traditional composition areas. The college believes music theory is the foundation of its a well-rounded music degree.
New York University
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
82 Washington Square East
New York, NY 10003
212-998-4500
nyu.edu
The New England Conservatory of Music offers both music theory and composition specializations within its music degrees. The theory specialization includes training in sight singing, ear training, keyboard harmony and music analysis. The composition area focuses on a board-based approach to the technical and theoretical aspects of music writing all while catering to the individual creative voice of the students.
New England Conservatory of Music
290 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617-585-1100
necmusic.edu
The Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester focuses on allowing students to write in their own voice and style. Students studying composition have a number of opportunities to hear their creations brought to life via the student music ensembles. Student studying theory focus on both pedagogy and the analysis of Western music. In 2008 Eastman was named the "hottest music school" by Kaplan/Newsweek Guide.
University of Rochester
Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs Street
Rochester, NY 14604
585-274-1000
rochester.edu