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Advanced Professional Certificate

Music Theory and Composition

Master the building blocks of music—harmony, melody, rhythm, and form—while composing and arranging across genres. In this advanced Music Theory and Composition program, you’ll study theory, orchestration, counterpoint, and arranging to score for ensembles, craft complex harmonies, and compose with clarity and intent for concert, screen, or stage.

Level
Advanced Professional
Modality
Online
Courses
12 (36 Credits)
($1,575 per course)
Tuition
$18,900
($17,010 single payment)
Semester Starts
Jan 12, 2026
Accreditation
NECHE

What You'll Learn

  • To synthesize advanced harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic techniques to compose original works that demonstrate structural clarity and expressive depth
  • To arrange and orchestrate effectively for a variety of ensembles, integrating traditional and contemporary scoring approaches
  • To analyze and apply theoretical frameworks from global musical traditions to broaden your compositional palette
  • To produce professionally notated scores and mockups that communicate musical intent across acoustic and digital media
Overview Course Requirements About this Certificate Enroll Now No application required. Request Info

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Course Requirements

12 Courses to Complete this Certificate

Complete These 4 Required Courses

  • Music Theory and Composition 1 (OCOMP-110 • Level 1 Course)

    Gain a solid understanding of music fundamentals by taking a detailed look at the major and minor keys, and the tools to comprehend scales and chords.

  • Music Theory and Composition 2 (OCOMP-111 • Level 1 Course)

    Further your own musical language by expanding your knowledge of major and minor key harmony and melody, in addition to scales, chords, and drum grooves.

  • Music Theory and Composition 3 (OCOMP-210 • Level 2 Course)

    Continue developing the foundation for your musical knowledge as you explore and express yourself through composition for film, TV, and video games.

  • Music Theory and Composition 4 (OCOMP-211 • Level 2 Course)

    Building on the foundation of the previous three levels, learn compositional techniques first pioneered by twentieth century European and American composers.

Choose 4 Composition & Arranging Electives

  • Arranging 1: Rhythm Section (OCWPR-130 • Level 1 Course)

    Explore all of the aspects of writing and arranging for the rhythm section and essential techniques for arranging music for a band.

  • Arranging and Producing Contemporary Music Styles (OCWPR-250 • Level 2 Course)

    Expand your vocabulary of musical styles to create the contemporary grooves needed in today’s market, including explorations in rock, pop, Brazilian, Latin, R&B, funk, hip-hop, and more.

  • Arranging for Horns (OCWPR-231 • Level 2 Course)

    Develop your writing and arranging skills for small and large ensembles and learn techniques that you can apply to both live instrumentation and sequences.

  • Contemporary Techniques in Music Composition 1 (OCOMP-367 • Level 3 Course)

    Develop a unique compositional voice to write music through the study of modern twentieth century compositional techniques.

  • Contemporary Techniques in Music Composition 2 (OCOMP-485 • Level 4 Course)

    Gain a solid knowledge of modern instrumental writing and competence using twentieth century techniques in composition. In addition, you will gain enhanced listening skills to identify and appreciate new musical styles, and be capable of implementing these skills in your writing, enriching your capacity to express yourself in this intellectually stimulating musical idiom.

  • Counterpoint (OCOMP-250 • Level 2 Course)

    Gain a broad overview of counterpoint and the art of writing lines that support both the melody and the overall structure of a composition.

  • Creative Strategies for Composition Beyond Style (OCOMP-320 • Level 3 Course)

    Explore a variety of approaches to composing and learn how to develop any musical idea, from a melodic fragment to a catchy rhythm or phrase, or a chord.

  • Jazz Arranging (OCWPR-335 • Level 3 Course)

    Explore techniques that will allow you to write effective jazz arrangements for all types of instrumental combinations.

  • Jazz Composition (OCOMP-395 • Level 3 Course)

    Learn effective techniques that will help you compose jazz tunes that have a balance of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic appeal.

  • Music Notation and Score Preparation using Sibelius Ultimate (OCWPR-103 • Level 1 Course)

    Learn to use Sibelius to create lead sheets, scores, and parts, as well as how to enter and format notation so it conforms to current music publishing standards.

  • Orchestration 1 (OCWPR-365 • Level 3 Course)

    Learn to write and apply traditional orchestration techniques to both sampled performances and live orchestral performances.

  • Orchestration 2: Writing Techniques for Full Orchestra (OCWPR-366 • Level 3 Course)

    Learn advanced orchestration strategies and approaches to writing for full orchestra, including both a live orchestra and sampled MIDI mockups.

  • Tonal Writing and Analysis (OCOMP-300 • Level 3 Course)

    Enhance your compositional skills by exploring repertoire from the Romantic and post-Romantic eras. You’ll engage with diverse course materials and actively participate in hands-on projects to complete four original compositions developed to professional standards.

Elective Requirements

Choose any 4 elective courses from our course catalog

View our entire course catalog.

Upon Completion of this Certificate Program, You'll Receive:

  • Professional credential from the world leader in music education
  • Credits that may be eligible for transfer toward a Bachelor's degree program
  • A physical certificate from Berklee College of Music
  • A verified, digital certificate that you can share

Questions?

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.

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