School of Music and Drama | Department of Music | Department of Composition and Conducting | Art Theory

Last Updated: 21/09/2026

The theory program aims to equip students with solfeggio, music theory and instrument knowledge at the conservatory high school level to be equipped to carry out academic and pedagogical studies in the field of music theory. The program is based on music theories developed to explain European music and the repertoire modeled on this music from the Middle Ages to the present. This program allows students to choose between professional profiles of 'researcher' and 'educator' according to their personal skills and expectations.

The 'Educator' profile aims to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills to carry out music theory-based courses (solfeggio, music theories, harmony, counterpoint, musical forms, etc.) in conservatories and music faculties. The aim of this program is to train educators who are interested in developing new approaches in music theory education, who deal with music theory education in coordination with the instrument repertoire, who have historical awareness and who equate aesthetic gains with technical gains in music education.

The 'researcher' profile prepares students who adopt and aim for academic production in the field of music theory, with courses such as history of theory, theories of analysis, research methods, text analysis, and text design. Music theory education in this field is not based on an isolated plane, but on interaction with different disciplines such as history, phenomenology, semiology, reception and cognitive.

The first two years of the music theory program are shaped by common courses that will strengthen the student's basic skills and knowledge. Starting from the third semester of education, students acquire the gains to form the above-mentioned profiles through elective courses. The two profiles mentioned are not binding or compelling, students can have the knowledge of both fields as much as they want through elective courses. In both fields, students are encouraged to make academic and scientific publications throughout their education.

Admission to the programme is based on the relevant higher education legislation and the central placement procedures administered by the Centre for Assessment, Selection and Placement (ÖSYM). Candidates who are offered a place in the programme must complete their registration within the deadlines announced in the University's academic calendar and registration announcements, in accordance with the applicable legislation. To complete final registration, candidates must satisfy all general and programme-specific admission requirements. Admission through horizontal transfer is conducted in accordance with the relevant legislation and the principles established by the relevant academic unit. The application and admission procedures for international students are carried out in accordance with the applicable legislation.
General admission requirements stated under Info on the Institution on this website are being applied to start this programme.

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the relevant higher education legislation, the University's regulations governing education, examinations and assessment, and the institutional principles for exemption and credit transfer. Students may apply, within the specified deadlines, for exemption and credit transfer based on courses successfully completed at another higher education institution or on equivalent prior learning. Applications are evaluated by the relevant board or commission with due consideration of course content, credit/ECTS values, grades obtained, and their compatibility with the curriculum and learning outcomes of the relevant programme.
Depending on the degrees awarded, theoretical or practical courses taken as part of a degree (completed or not completed) may lead to recognition of these as prior learning by the programme administration. The students who have taken courses in another institution in Turkey or abroad can ask for credit and grade transfer. The executive boards of relevant programme will decide on the courses to be transferred covering students' entire academic program once and for all with the condition that the request for transfer be made within the first week of the academic year, the requests cannot be repeated.

All students enrolled at Anadolu University are assigned a faculty academic advisor to provide guidance and support throughout their studies. Academic advisors offer counselling from the beginning of the student's academic programme until graduation, assisting students with academic, administrative, and other matters related to university life. In particular, advisors provide guidance during course registration and course selection processes, monitor students' academic progress, and support them in making informed decisions regarding their educational pathways.
For further information, please refer to the Academic Advising Directive of Anadolu University.

The programme is delivered in face-to-face / blended mode. Students are enrolled on the programme as (full-time / part-time) students. Teaching and learning activities are conducted in accordance with the programme curriculum, including the semester structure, scheduled class hours, practical components, and, where applicable, online learning environments.

A variety of assessment methods such as mid-term(s), assignment(s), exercise(s), project(s), practice(s), and a final exam are implemented in the programme. Assessment methods may include classical test(s), multiple-choice test(s), homework(s), performance evaluation(s), and product evaluation(s). In order to graduate from the programme, cumulative GPA must be minimum 2.00. A course grade is constituted by evaluating the above stated elements and given by using letters. Letter grades and their associated coefficients are as follows;
A variety of assessment methods such as mid-term(s), assignment(s), exercise(s), project(s), practice(s), and a final exam are implemented in the programme. Assessment methods may include classical test(s), multiple-choice test(s), homework(s), performance evaluation(s), and product evaluation(s). In order to graduate from the programme, cumulative GPA must be minimum 2.00. A course grade is constituted by evaluating the above stated elements and given by using letters. Letter grades and their associated coefficients are as follows;

Grade	Coefficient
AA	4,0
AB	3,7
BA	3,3
BB	3,0
BC	2,7
CB	2,3
CC	2,0
CD	1,7
DC	1,3
DD	1,0
FF	0,0

A student is required to successfully complete the designated program of courses meet a minimum of 240 ECTS credit requirement and have a minimum GPA of 2.00/4.00 and no FF, DZ or YZ grades.
A student is required to successfully complete the designated program of courses meet a minimum of 240 ECTS credit requirement and have a minimum GPA of 2.00/4.00 and no FF, DZ or YZ grades.

To be awarded a Bachelor's Degree, students must successfully complete all compulsory and elective courses specified in the curriculum of the programme in which they are enrolled, together with any required internship, practical training, project, or other academic requirements. To qualify for graduation, students must successfully complete at least 240 ECTS credits, have no failed courses, achieve the minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) specified in the relevant regulations (at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale), and fulfil all other graduation requirements prescribed by the programme.
A student is required to successfully complete the designated program of courses meet a minimum of 240 ECTS credit requirement and have a minimum GPA of 2.00/4.00 and no FF, DZ or YZ grades.

Students who successfully fulfil all programme requirements are awarded a Bachelor's Degree Diploma in Art Theory Graduates obtain a Level 6 (Bachelor's Degree) qualification within the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF).

Most graduates are able to continue their academic careers in the other conservatories and music faculties across the country.

Graduates of the programme are eligible to apply for Master's Degree programmes (with or without a thesis) in accordance with the relevant legislation governing graduate education and the admission requirements of the receiving higher education institution.
May apply to master's or doctorate programmes in any field or proficiency in fine arts programmes


ASSOC. PROF. DR. ONUR DÜLGER