Its primary emphasis is the development of the skills, concepts, and sensitivity essential to the professional life of a musician. In any of the roles as performer, composer, scholar, or teacher, the professional musician must function as a practitioner who exhibits not only technical competence but also a broad knowledge of music literature, sensitivity in musical style, and insight into the role of music in the life of humankind.

At the University of Tennessee, the undergraduate majors in theory and composition are combined into one degree program. The Bachelor of Music in Music Theory/Composition program is designed to train students in music theory and analysis as well as composition. Students may elect an emphasis in music theory, composition, or electronic composition within the degree plan.

Graduates of the theory/composition program have gone on to study theory or composition at prestigious doctoral schools. Other graduates have decided to study in related fields such as film studies. Ultimately, our graduates teach theory and/or composition at the college or university level, or have careers as composers or arrangers.