Music Theory (B0215A310017)

Programme objectives

The aim of the Music Theory programme is to train music theorists, scholars and publicists who deal with issues of musical language and its structuring in a basic scientific course. The content of the training is to create a solid, scientifically focused knowledge base not only in traditional music theoretical disciplines such as harmony, counterpoint, and musical forms, but also in their younger derivatives - kinetics, melodics, tectonics, and performance theory. Everything is conceived both in terms of historical development and systematics and in terms of modern interdisciplinary relations. Attention is also paid to the systematic study of music history. Last but not least, the programme aims to introduce students to the basics of notography, ethnomusicology and other musicological disciplines.

Profile of a programme graduate

Graduates of the Bachelor's programme in Music Theory are expected to master the basics of methods of scientific work in the field in all its classical disciplines and to acquire a broad knowledge base for independent application in popularization, organization, etc. The qualification of a bachelor is a guarantee of his/her ability to actively orient himself/herself in the problems of the field and its disciplines and the ability to transfer the acquired knowledge and skills in a creative way.

Professional knowledge

The graduate reflects theoretically on fundamental musical expressions on the basis of knowledge of domestic and foreign literature, analyses them using the basic methods of modern science and puts them into the systematics of musical expression in both the harmonic and spatiotemporal sense. On the basis of an independent study of the literature, he then arrives at new insights in the music theoretical sphere, which he puts into the context of the existing system of music theory.

Professional skills

The graduate applies basic analytical methods to musical expressions and summarizes the results in systematics of various types. Makes logical connections of theoretical principles for application in various spheres of practical musical activities. Formulates the results of his/her musicological work and presents papers at scientific conferences.

General competencies

The graduate uses critical thinking skills and can articulate his/her own views clearly and persuasively. Demonstrates a strong capacity for self-motivation and self-discipline, including the ability to self-study in preparation for continuing future education with a view to a sustainable career.

Rules and requirements for creating study plans

General information about admission process

Round 1 - electronic test on the history of music and other music-theoretical disciplines.

The candidate answers a set of randomly selected questions with a choice of 3 answers, one of which is correct. If the applicant fails to meet the pre-set minimum score threshold for advancement to Round 2, the admission procedure will be terminated. In the event of progression to Round 2, the points from Round 1 will not be counted.

Round 2 - oral talent test

The oral talent test consists of a professional interview in which the candidate demonstrates knowledge and skills in the following areas:

1. a thorough knowledge of the history of music and the music theoretical disciplines of harmony, counterpoint, musical forms, the study of musical instruments and intonation at the level of conservatory graduation.
2. Secure familiarity with the systematics and terminology of classical harmony, ability to harmonically analyze a given example from the tonal to extended harmony style, ability to practically harmonize a given melody, skill in developing a numbered bass line, and ability to compose a modulating harmonic phrase based on given keys.
3. Practical knowledge of contrapuntal techniques of vocal and instrumental polyphony, ability to analyze a contrapuntal phrase in terms of the compositional technique used.
4. Secure familiarity with the systematics and terminology of musical forms, knowledge of Baroque, Classical, and 19th century musical forms and genres, ability to analyze classical sonata form
5. ability to think independently and creatively in the field of music theory
6. orientation in the basic works of Czech music theory

The admissions committee evaluates the applicant by a cumulative score. The evaluation takes into account, for example. a thorough knowledge of music history and music theory disciplines - harmony, counterpoint, musical forms, the study of musical instruments and intonation, a secure orientation in the systematics and terminology of classical harmony, the ability to harmonically analyse a given example from the stylistic area of tonal to extended harmony, the ability to practically harmonize a given melody, a practical knowledge of counterpoint techniques of vocal and instrumental polyphony, the ability to analyze a counterpoint phrase in terms of the compositional technique used, knowledge of musical forms and genres of Baroque, Classical and 19th century music. The ability to analyse the form of the classical sonata, the ability to think independently in the field of music theory and to orientate oneself especially in the basic works of Czech music theory in the field of musical forms, classical harmony, vocal and instrumental counterpoint by Karel Janeček, Karel Risinger and Zdeněk Hůla.

At the end of the second round, the Admissions Committee will create a ranking according to the average scores of the individual applicants and recommend for admission those applicants who ranked in the order corresponding to the guideline number and minimum score for the Music Theory study programme.

The conditions of the admission procedure, including the determination of the method of scoring, its range and the guideline number, are regulated for each academic year by the relevant Dean's decree, which is subject to approval by the Academic Senate of the Faculty.

If there are not enough applicants meeting the score requirement, the guideline number will not be filled.

Applicability to other types of academic programmes

After successful completion of the Bachelor's degree in Music Theory, it is possible to continue the Master's degree at the same department of HAMU in Prague. Furthermore, it is possible to continue in the Master's studies in Music Education at pedagogical faculties, Musicology at philosophical faculties and other programmes relevant to music theory at universities in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Parts of the state final examination and their contents

Other academic duties

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Characterisation of professional practice

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Anticipated job placement for graduates (typical employment)

Graduates of the Music Theory programme are able to work in music theoretical and musicological teams as assistants and project managers, work in the sphere of music journalism, orchestra management or musical theatre management. Graduates are also employable in interdisciplinary teams in the public sector (e.g. state administration) and in directly managed cultural organisations. After passing the State Examination of Pedagogical Competence, they are entitled to practice the profession of music theory teacher in elementary art schools and conservatories. The prerequisite for registration for this State Examination is the completion of the elective courses Psychology, Pedagogy and Didactics/Teaching Practice of Music Theory at any time during their studies.