A comparative review of music theory education in undergraduate institutions in Turkey

The aim of this research is to examine the courses in the field of Music Theory in undergraduate-level education institutions in our country, to reveal their similarities and differences, and to determine the current approaches to the area. The field of Music Theory in educational institutions that train students at the undergraduate level in our country shows differences due to graduation goals. These differences can be listed as level, subject framework, music genres, etc. As the essential aspects of this research; a. Revealing the similarities and differences between the programs implemented in universities with different profiles, b. Comparison of different faculties/departments within universities in addition to comparing universities with each other in terms of programs, c. To reveal the perspective of universities with an institutionally established program structure and newly established universities on the Music Theory program, d. The research for the contemporary approach within the Music Theory Studies and the results established from this research carries potential of inspiration to future studies The information, such as curricula, information packages, etc., used in the research was taken from the universities' web pages. Therefore, the relevancy of the data is directly proportional with the research process. The study used descriptive analysis and content analysis from the data analysis method in qualitative research. The courses of the relevant faculties and departments of the selected universities in the field of Music Theory were categorized under four main headings, and the related courses were evaluated under these headings. Data were collected by examining the courses' names, the semesters they were given, and their subject scope. The data obtained were first compared within universities between faculties and departments, and then comparisons were made between universities. The main problem of the research was determined as "What are the general and current teaching approaches in the field of Music Theory applied at the undergraduate level in our country?". The answer to this question will be reached through the following sub-problems. 1. In which framework do the Music Theory courses implemented at the undergraduate level of the universities in the sample in our country generally take place? 2. What are the similarities and differences within and between institutions teaching music theory? 3. What is the general framework and purpose of the Music Theory curriculum implemented at the Faculty of Performing Arts of Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, and how does it differ from the curricula of other institutions? As a result of the research, the courses in music theory teaching can be classified under Music History, Music Theories and Practices, Music Forms and Analysis, Harmony and Counterpoint, considering their subject scope and interrelationships. As a result of these findings, it is possible to identify undergraduate education institutions with different student training objectives.