Music theory
The Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/Aalborg is the only music academy in Denmark to offer bachelor and master's programmes in music theory. The programmes give you the knowledge necessary to work as a music theorist and music teacher at the very highest level.
Theory and practice
The education in music theory includes versatile studies of European score music from both theoretical and practical perspectives. During tuition, the student is introduced to various theories about music, including classical theories about form, harmony and counterpoint as well as modern theories about acoustics, perception and music psychology. In the practical studies, students are among other things working with harmony, counterpoint, arrangement, instrumentation as well as the preparation of pedagogical teaching materials.
Meeting other students
Music theory is a specialized education with very few students, which is why large parts of the classes are studied together with other groups of students such as classical musicians (general studies), classical composers (instrumentation) and church musicians (harmony, counterpoint and arrangement). This ensures both a high level of teaching and a social anchoring at the academy. Part of the education also includes electives, which provide the opportunity to gain an insight into e.g. aspects of jazz/pop and electronic music.
Job opportunities
The bachelor’s degree is a basic education, where you are introduced to many subjects, while the master’s degree to a greater extent gives the opportunity to adapt the student’s prerequisites, ambitions and interests. The education is aimed at teaching, e.g. at church music schools, MGK and the conservatories, at communication and outreach, e.g. as a writer or music critic, as well as artistic development.
Teachers
The teachers are experienced music theorists who have worked with research (see e.g. articles on orchestration/instrumentation here and here or on interpretation here), respectively with own practice as church musician.
Bachelor (3 years)
On the bachelor’s degree (BMus Music Theory), you gain the knowledge, skills and competences to succeed as a music theorist and music educator and as an entrepreneurial participant in music life. The bachelor’s degree ends with a bachelor’s project.
The subjects are divided into five areas:
- Main study area: The main subject Music Theory and subjects that support this
- Pedagogy: Subjects where you convey and teach as well as subjects that support this
- General studies: Basic music theory subjects
- Entrepreneurship: Subjects and projects where you gain experience as an entrepreneur, etc.
- Electives: A large number of different electives are offered, which give the opportunity to gain an insight into all the institution’s departments.
Master (2 years)
All master’s programs (cand.musicae) include entrepreneurship and end with a master’s project.
The master’s degree “Music educator, music theory” also provides specialized knowledge, skills and competences to perform as a music theorist and as a music educator at the highest level.
From the bachelor’s program, it is also possible to apply for the master’s program in ear training or choral conducting.
Curricula
The bachelor’s, master’s and soloist programs are carefully described in each study plan, which you can find here.