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Eastern Illinois University

Music: Theory & Composition

This program combines a broad liberal arts education with focused study in the theory, analysis, and creation of music. Students develop strong musicianship and compositional skills while exploring music within its historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts.

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Music: Theory & Composition

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 34 in Major
Careers
Directors, Composers, Drama,, Postsecondary
Music: Theory & Composition students at EIU

Why Study Music: Theory & Composition at EIU?

  • Pursue an in-depth understanding of the mechanics, languages and styles of music
  • Develop your own compositional style and musical understanding
  • Complement additional studies in music and work closely with composition faculty
  • Elective credits allow the flexibility to explore interests in other academic areas.
"I visited EIU several times as a high school student, and one thing that stuck out to me every time I was on campus was the sense of community the school exuded. As a musician, and especially as a composer, community is vital to my line of work. While at EIU, I have found dozens of lifelong friends and collaborators with whom I can share my passion for music."
Ben Schwarberg
Music: Theory & Composition | Class of 2028
Ben Schwarberg, Music: Theory & Composition at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Contribute to recitals that feature a combination of studio repertoire and original compositions.
  • Gain experience with electronic media and composition techniques in the EIU Electronic Music Studios
  • Develop your musicianships skills with individual lessons on your instrument of voice.
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Music: Theory & Composition students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Music Theory and Composition combines a broad liberal arts education with focused study in the theory, analysis and creation of music. It is a fit if you want to understand how music works and create your own, and you want flexibility to explore other interests.

View in Catalog
$49,236
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Music Directors & Composers
  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ArtisticArtistic interest typeYou like to create. This could mean visual art, performance, writing or music, or using design to shape objects and materials.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Shellie Gregorich
Chair, School of Music | Professor of Music Theory/Piano
slgregorich@eiu.edu
2620 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-5946
Shellie Gregorich Message Shellie

Message Shellie

or email slgregorich@eiu.edu directly
Brad Decker
Assistant Professor of Music Composition & Technology
bddecker@eiu.edu
Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-2242
Brad Decker Message Brad

Message Brad

or email bddecker@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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