university non-major music courses

College Majors Music Major
4

<p>A strong foundation in theory (as well as aural training, music history and sightreading skills) while extremely beneficial, is not critical as an admissions factor in a bachelor/performance certificate level program. Weak theory skills can be a stopper in a Masters level admit.<br>
Most conservatory level schools teach theory to their own specs and curriculum structure, thus the transfer of credits for theory can be denied if earned elsewhere. Some theory programs are known to be “tougher” than others. Virtually all music programs will test theory, aural skills, and piano/keyboard proficiency upon acceptance for initial course level placement. Those with the theory chops can test out of the beginning or elementary theory classes, but many will elect to take them none the less, as a refresher, or to avoid “surprises” in a higher level course due to differences in curriculum structure or sequence. </p>

<p>Your question is somewhat similar to one oft asked by hs seniors about the advantages of AP theory in conservatory admissions. For background, you may want to read through these past threads:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/145947-has-anybody-taken-ap-music-theory.html?highlight=theory[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/145947-has-anybody-taken-ap-music-theory.html?highlight=theory&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/450721-ap-music-theory.html?highlight=theory[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/450721-ap-music-theory.html?highlight=theory&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>And a couple on college/conservatory theory:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/418384-transfering-music-theory.html?highlight=theory[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/418384-transfering-music-theory.html?highlight=theory&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/668490-music-theory.html?highlight=theory[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/668490-music-theory.html?highlight=theory&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I mention the Masters only in that there are a number of qualified candidates that have had extensive training and music backgrounds that pursue non-music bachelors degrees, and follow that up with a performance or other discipline at the Masters level. Without knowing more of your background, I did not know whether you did or did not fit that scenario.</p>