The theory program at UC Santa Barbara consists of a core curriculum devoted to the theory and analysis of tonal and 20th-century music, complemented by seminars in a wide variety of topics. The topics reflect musicological as well as theoretical interests. 

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) with an emphasis in Western Art Music

To learn more about the specific course requirements for the BA degree with an emphasis in Western Art Music in the Music Department, Undergraduate Program section of UCSB's General Catalog. Find more information on applying to the undergraduate program on the Undergraduate Degrees page.

Graduate

  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Combined Master of Arts/Doctor of Philosophy (MA/PhD)

The MA-only time-to-degree is three years. The PhD-only time-to-degree is six years (for applicants who have already completed a master's degree at an accredited university). If accepted into the MA/PhD combined program, the time to complete both degrees is six years (once your coursework and qualifying exams are complete, you receive the MA). Learn more about the MA and the PhD Music Theory degrees in the Music Department, Graduate Program section of UCSB's General Catalog. Find more information on applying to the graduate program on the Graduate Degrees page.

Faculty

Lee Rothfarb | Professor

Benjamin Levy | Associate Professor

David Paul | Associate Professor

Janet Bourne | Assistant Professor

Nicholas Jurkowski | Lecturer

Graduate Student Successes

The Theory Program at UC Santa Barbara is proud to have a long list of distinguished alumni who have gone on to active careers in music and who currently hold academic positions at institutions across the country.  

Joel Hunt (Ph.D., 2016), Assistant Teaching Professor, Pennsylvania State University, Behrend

Rachel Short (Ph.D., 2016), Assistant Professor, Shenandoah University, Conservatory of Music

Laura Emmery (Ph.D., 2014), Assistant Professor, Emory University

Michael Vitalino (Ph.D., 2014), Associate Professor, Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam

Malia Roberson (Ph.D., 2012), Lecturer, California State University, Channel Islands

Ramin Haghjoo (Ph.D., 2010), Tutor, Maoin Cheoil na Gaillimhe (Galway, Ireland)

Andre Mount (Ph.D., 2010), Associate Professor, Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam

Russ Knight (Ph.D., 2008), Lecturer, Pomona College

Sara Overholt (Ph.D., 2006), Adjunct Assistant Professor, Hunter College, CUNY

Gordon Root (Ph.D., 2006), Associate Professor, SUNY Fredonia

Susan de Ghize (Ph.D., 2003), Assistant Professor, Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Ildar Khannanov (Ph.D., 2003), Professor, Peabody Institute, Johns Hopkins University

Mark McFarland (Ph.D., 1997), Associate Professor, Georgia State University

John McGinness (Ph.D., 1996), Professor, Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam

Ann Stimson (Ph.D., 1996), Lecturer, Ohio State University, Kenyon College

Related Links

Society for Music Theory

MTO: Music Theory Online (a journal of the Society for Music Theory)