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.

As a Music Theory student, you will find yourself in a cross-disciplinary environment that gives you a broad understanding of music across all genres.

Theory and practice

The programme is not only theoretical but also includes a practical aspect, which to some degree sets it apart from the music theory programmes offered at the universities. For example, it offers subjects such as Ensemble Conducting, Instrumentation, Acoustics, Programming, etc.

The study programme is flexible and gives you plenty of space to structure the content yourself. You may, for example, aim towards tuition and communication, or towards research and specialisation.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

We collaborate closely with the Jazz/pop and Electronic music departments at the Academy who regularly make use of classical instrumentalists and singers in their projects. You also have good opportunities for seeking collaboration with students from these departments. In addition, you have ample opportunities for choir and ensemble work in many different contexts and styles.

The pedagogical programmes are executed in collaboration with music schools and Academy preparation courses throughout the region.

Teachers

Our teachers are experienced music theorists who have worked with both theory and practice, for example through instrumentation assignments and similar. For more information, click the photo links to the right.

Bachelor degree (3 years)

The bachelor degree (BMus Music Theory) gives you the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to become a music theorist, music teacher, and enterprising music industry player. The BMus programme is concluded with a bachelor project.

The subjects are divided into four areas:

  • Main study area: The Music Theory main subject as well as subjects supporting this.
  • Pedagogics: Subjects where you communicate and teach, as well as subjects that support this
  • General studies: Elementary music theory subjects
  • Entrepreneurial Studies: Subjects and projects that give you experience as an entrepreneur and similar

Master’s degree (2 years)

All master’s (MMus) programmes include Entrepreneurial Studies and are concluded with a master’s project.

In addition, the “Music Teacher, Music Theory” MMus degree gives you the specialist knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to work as a music theorist and music teacher at the very highest level.

With a BMus degree, you may also apply for the Ear Training or Choir Conducting MMus programme. However, these MMus programmes do not include an instrument main subject.

Curricula

The BMus and MMus programmes are described in detail in their respective curricula. You can find the relevant curriculum in the general overview of classical music curricula here.