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University of Louisville

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Composition & music studies

Theatre

Music performance

Music education

Quick links

BM Music Theory

Music Theory

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

BM Music Theory is a specialist pathway in UofL's NASM-accredited School of Music for students who want music analysis and compositional craft at the center of their degree

Training

Study theory, analysis, harmony, and counterpoint alongside the common BM sequence in music literature, applied study, ensembles, and piano proficiency

The curriculum supports close reading of musical structure and the ability to explain how musical ideas work across styles and repertoire

Performance & Productions

Theory majors remain active musicians through the primary-instrument or voice audition and ensemble experience that anchor the School of Music undergraduate curriculum

Degree Flexibility

The professional BM devotes roughly 85 of 131 credit hours to music, leaving a focused academic path for students considering composition, scholarship, teaching, or graduate study

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.60

Admit rate

79%

school-wide

Grad rate

61%

Enrollment

14.7K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$13,614

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,960

Before aid

Average net price

$17,988

After aid

Annual Undergraduate Tuition Fees · louisville.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 9, 7:37 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BM Music Theory is a specialist pathway in UofL's NASM-accredited School of Music for students who want music analysis and compositional craft at the center of their degree

Training

Study theory, analysis, harmony, and counterpoint alongside the common BM sequence in music literature, applied study, ensembles, and piano proficiency

The curriculum supports close reading of musical structure and the ability to explain how musical ideas work across styles and repertoire

Performance & Productions

Theory majors remain active musicians through the primary-instrument or voice audition and ensemble experience that anchor the School of Music undergraduate curriculum

Degree Flexibility

The professional BM devotes roughly 85 of 131 credit hours to music, leaving a focused academic path for students considering composition, scholarship, teaching, or graduate study

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BM Music Theory is a specialist pathway in UofL's NASM-accredited School of Music for students who want music analysis and compositional craft at the center of their degree

Training

Study theory, analysis, harmony, and counterpoint alongside the common BM sequence in music literature, applied study, ensembles, and piano proficiency

The curriculum supports close reading of musical structure and the ability to explain how musical ideas work across styles and repertoire

Performance & Productions

Theory majors remain active musicians through the primary-instrument or voice audition and ensemble experience that anchor the School of Music undergraduate curriculum

Degree Flexibility

The professional BM devotes roughly 85 of 131 credit hours to music, leaving a focused academic path for students considering composition, scholarship, teaching, or graduate study

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

PriorityFeb 15, 2027

Regular DecisionRolling

First Time Freshman Applicants · louisville.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

Live Audition Date

Nov 21, 2026Jan 23, 2027Feb 13 & 20, 2027

Music Theory Portfolio — Scholarship Consideration DeadlineFeb 15, 2027

Audition Requirements · music.louisville.edu

Audition Requirements

Portfolio / Creative Sample

Portfolio may include one original or stylistic composition with score and recording, one four-voice melody harmonization, one figured-bass realization, or one two-voice mixed-species counterpoint example

Essay / Statement

Submit an essay of 500 words or more about a piece of music, such as analysis, program notes, or what you like about the piece

Submit a short statement of 100-200 words explaining why you want to study music theory

Audition Requirements · music.louisville.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to UofL via Common App or school portal first — the audition registration form becomes available through the Application Gateway once an application is submitted

University admission is not required before registering for an audition

Submit the theory portfolio by February 15 for scholarship consideration

Admitted students take a music theory and aural-skills placement exam at orientation — for course placement only, not admission

What's The Process

Admission Process

Theory majors complete a performance audition on a primary instrument or voice (uses the relevant area's audition requirements)

Theory majors also submit a three-item theory portfolio

Email the portfolio to the School of Music admissions office

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Awarded based on audition and portfolio review

Submit the application, audition, and theory portfolio by February 15 for scholarship consideration

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.60

Admit rate

79%

school-wide

Grad rate

61%

Enrollment

14.7K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$13,614

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,960

Before aid

Average net price

$17,988

After aid

Annual Undergraduate Tuition Fees · louisville.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

BM Music Theory is a specialist pathway in UofL's NASM-accredited School of Music for students who want music analysis and compositional craft at the center of their degree

Training

Study theory, analysis, harmony, and counterpoint alongside the common BM sequence in music literature, applied study, ensembles, and piano proficiency

The curriculum supports close reading of musical structure and the ability to explain how musical ideas work across styles and repertoire

Performance & Productions

Theory majors remain active musicians through the primary-instrument or voice audition and ensemble experience that anchor the School of Music undergraduate curriculum

Degree Flexibility

The professional BM devotes roughly 85 of 131 credit hours to music, leaving a focused academic path for students considering composition, scholarship, teaching, or graduate study

Updated Sep 9, 7:37 PM

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