Music Theory (B0215A310017)

Programme objectives

The objective of the programme in Music Theory is to prepare music theorists, musicologists and music writers who are concerned with questions of the language of music and its structure. The programme’s contents are aimed at developing a firm, scientifically targeted knowledge base not only in traditional music-theoretical disciplines such as harmony, counterpoint and musical forms, but also their younger derivatives: kinetics, melodics, tectonics and theory of interpretation. Everything is conceived both in terms of historical development and systematics, as well as in terms of modern interdisciplinary relationships. Attention is also devoted to the systematic study of the history of music and to the issue of the connection between music and lyrics. Last but not least, the programme aims to familiarise students with the fundamentals of notography, ethnomusicology and other musicological disciplines.

Profile of a programme graduate

Graduates of the Bachelor’s programme in Music Theory are expected to have mastered the field’s basic methods of scholarship in all of its classical disciplines, and to have acquired a broad knowledge base for independent application (in popularisation, in organisational roles, etc.). The Bachelor’s degree is a guarantee of graduates’ ability to orientate themselves actively in the field and its disciplines, their command of the acquired knowledge, and their ability to communicate that knowledge to others in a creative manner.

Specialist knowledge

• The graduate is able to reflect theoretically on fundamental musical expressions based on knowledge of the domestic and foreign literature, to analyse them using the basic methods of modern scholarship, and to place them into a systematic framework of musical expression with respect to consonance, space and period. On the basis of independent research in the specialist literature, the graduate then acquires new music-theoretical insights and places them into context within the existing framework of music theory.

Specialist skills

• The graduate applies basic analytical methods to musical performances and summarises the results into systematic frameworks of various types. He or she creates logical connections among theoretical principles for application in various spheres of practical musical activity. The graduate also elaborates the results of his or her musicological work into scholarly outputs, and presents them at scholarly conferences.

General competencies

• The graduate makes use of critical thinking and is able to articulate his or her own views in a clear and convincing manner. The graduate demonstrates a strong aptitude for self-motivation and self-discipline, including self-study in preparation for future education with a view to a sustainable career path.

Rules and requirements for creating study plans

General information about admission process

Round 1: A computer-based test on the history of music and other music-theoretical disciplines

The applicant shall answer a set of randomly selected questions with three possible answers, of which one is correct. If the applicant fails to achieve the set minimum score for advancement to Round 2, then the admissions proceeding shall be concluded. If the applicant advances to Round 2, then the points from Round 1 shall not be counted.

Round 2: An oral aptitude test

The oral aptitude test consists of a scholarly interview, during which the applicant must demonstrate his or her knowledge and abilities in the following areas:

1. Thorough knowledge of the history of music and of the music-theoretical disciplines, i.e. harmony, counterpoint, musical forms, theory of musical instruments and intonation – at the level of a conservatory graduate.
2. A comprehensive overview of the systematics and terminology of classical harmony, proficiency in harmonic analysis of a given sample in a certain style from tonal to complex harmony, ability to harmonise a given melody, ability to elaborate figured bass, ability to compose modulating harmonic movements on the basis of given keys.
3. Practical knowledge of contrapuntal techniques in vocal and instrumental polyphony, ability to analyse contrapuntal movements from the point of view of the compositional technique used.
4. A comprehensive overview in the systematics and terminology of musical forms, knowledge of Baroque, Classical and l9th-century musical forms and genres, ability to analyse the form of a Classical sonata.
5. Independent creative thinking ability in the field of music theory.
6. An overview of the fundamental works of Czech music theory.

The admissions committee shall assess the applicant with an overall score. The assessment takes into account, for example, thorough knowledge of the history of music and the music-theoretical disciplines, i.e. harmony, counterpoint, musical forms, the theory of musical instruments and intonation; a comprehensive overview of the systematics and terminology of classical harmony; the ability to harmonically analyse a given sample in a certain style from tonal to complex harmony; the ability to harmonise a given melody; practical knowledge of contrapuntal techniques in vocal and instrumental polyphony; ability to analyse contrapuntal movements from the point of view of the compositional technique used; knowledge of Baroque, Classical and l9th-century musical forms and genres; ability to analyse the form of a Classical sonata; independent creative thinking ability in the field of music theory; and above all a broad overview of the fundamental works of Czech music theory in the areas of musical forms, classical harmony, and vocal and instrumental counterpoint by Karel Janeček, Karel Risinger and Zdeněk Hůla.

After the completion of Round 2, the admissions committee shall rank individual applicants according to their average scores and shall recommend for admission those applicants who ranked within the admissions target and who earned the minimum score for the Music Theory programme of study.

The requirements of the admissions proceeding, including a designation of the method by which points are awarded, their range and the admissions target, are defined for each academic year by a relevant Decree of the Dean, which is subject to approval by the academic senate of the faculty.

If not enough applicants receive the required number of points, the admissions target will not be met.

Applicability to other types of academic programmes

Parts of the state final examination and their contents

Other academic duties

Characterisation of professional practice

Anticipated job placement for graduates (typical employment)