The Master of Arts (MA) in Music Theory is a 12-month degree program unique in Canada that serves students with a diverse range of interests in an environment that combines the strengths of both course-based and project-based learning delivered by world-class music professors.
Students benefit from a diversity of course offerings building toward a customized MA Research Project in collaboration with leading faculty members.
"A key feature of the MA program at Western is definitely the flexibility and the freedom at which students have to work on whatever they like, and whatever their interests are across all the courses offered."
To support success in graduate studies, all incoming graduate students are required to complete the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) Academic Integrity Module in order to progress beyond the first term of their degree. Eligible students can access the module in the Graduate Student Web Services Portal.
Students who do not complete the module will not be able to progress beyond the first term of their degree.
This module is designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge and resources to abide by academic principles during your graduate career and to help combat scholastic offenses. After reviewing the material and finishing the readings, students are required to complete both a multiple-choice assessment and a series of short case studies to evaluate their knowledge of academic integrity. Students have unlimited opportunities to pass the module.
April 1: 500-word proposal and bibliography for MA research project is submitted to Project Director for feedback and approval. Approved proposal is sent to department Chair and Graduate Program Assistant.
May 1: student submits outline of research project to Project Director and meets with Project Director to discuss.
June 15: student submits full draft of research project to Project Director for feedback.
Aug. 1 or sooner: student submits final version of research project to Project Director.
Aug. 15: Project Director and second faculty member (appointed by Chair) each assign final grade and submit grades and the final version of research project to Associate Dean for final approval.
Expected duration of program
3 terms (12 months)
Timeline for 1-Year MA in Music Theory
Fall Term (Sept-Dec)
Winter Term (Jan-April)
Summer Term (May-August)
3 courses: Introduction to Music Research, and 2 others
2 courses
no courses
Preliminary planning for MA Research Project
Discuss topic for project with assigned project director
Submit and discuss outline for MA Research Project
Submit proposal for MA Research Project to project director for feedback and approval
Submit and discuss draft of project
Submit final version of project
Contact Info
Acting Department Chair Peter Franck TC 318 519-661-2111 x84330 pfranck@uwo.ca
Graduate Program Assistant Audrey Yardley-Jones TC 216 519-661-2111 x85354 ayardley@uwo.ca
"A key feature of the MA program at Western is definitely the flexibility and the freedom at which students have to work on whatever they like, and whatever their interests are across all the courses offered." 
