In the words of the French-American composer Edgard Varèse, “Music is organized sound.”  Well-educated musicians explore how and why sound may be organized in particular ways from multiple perspectives including historical context, close observation and analysis of organizing systems, and doing original organizing themselves – composing music. At Drew we encourage integrating music theory with composition so that students may develop their own musical imaginations. Composition and music theory studies also contribute to enhancing performance skills by deepening the performer’s musical understanding. We offer courses which allow the exploration of varying styles grounded in the Western classical tonal tradition, through contemporary idioms, to present-day experimental approaches continuing into the future.

• MUS 101/Music: Imagination and Technique
• MUS 102/Fundamentals of Music
• MUS 227, 228/Music Theory I & II
• MUS 227L, 228L/Music Theory I & II Lab
• MUS 246/Counterpoint
• MUS 260/Composition Seminar
• MUS 324/Techniques of Contemporary Music
• MUS 334/Orchestration
• MUS 337/Electronic Music Composition

Take a Music Theory Diagnostic Test to determine the level to sign up for

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For more information on the study of music theory and composition at Drew, contact Dr. Trevor Weston at tweston@drew.edu.