An opportunity for expression and exploration
The honors thesis in music allows the student to explore their creative and academic interests at an advanced level. In addition to research-based theses, the Harvard Department of Music supports performance-based theses, compositions, recordings, and creative projects that motivate the student to expand their relationship with the arts. Students are encouraged to think imaginatively and work with their advisors in developing their thesis topic, making use of the department resources available.
Honors thesis projects follow a timeline that begins during the student’s junior year, culminating in their senior year with a final thesis project. Students wishing to pursue the honors thesis track should consider the Thesis Timeline and Guidelines carefully and understand their responsibility for meeting the deadlines described. Music Department advisors and administrators will work closely with students in navigating these benchmarks and will provide regular updates on upcoming deadlines.
Students pursuing a joint concentration are required to complete an honors thesis, researching a topic that is inclusive of both concentrations. This option requires approval from both concentrations. Not all concentrations participate in joint concentrations. Students should schedule advising appointments with both departments before proceeding. For more information, please refer to the Joint Concentration information with the Registrar’s Office.
Thesis Categories
The Music Department supports a variety of these types that allow students to showcase their artistic interests and talents. The categories below are designed to provide guidance and define support levels and requirements associated with each thesis type. Students are encouraged to be creative in their thesis planning, and to consider projects that either combine the definitions below, or expand beyond them.
Research/Written Thesis
A research-based thesis that culminates in a written academic document.
- Final Requirements:
- Written research-based academic document.
Composition Thesis
A thesis based on original composed works, showcasing your compositional and creative voice. The student may include recordings (live or computer generated,) but these are not required. Fully drafted scores must be submitted for final review.
- Pre-screening requirements:
- Approval by DUS and thesis advisor on proof of concept.
- Composition pre-screening requirements as listed below.
- Final Requirements:
- Written summary of compositional concept, inspiration, or other conclusions.
- Portfolio of fully drafted scores.
Recording Project Thesis
A thesis centered on a final recorded product. This may take the form of a recording session, concept album, podcast, or other unique format, and may be paired with original compositions as explained above. The final recording should showcase the student’s skill, technique, creativity, and relationship to music.
- Pre-screening requirements:
- Approval by DUS and thesis advisor on proof of concept.
- Approval by UPC and event management on production needs.
- Recording project requirements as described below.
- Final Requirements:
- Written summary of recording concept, inspiration, or other conclusions.
- Full recording of final project.
- Department Support:
- Venue access for recording space.*
- Recording engineering support.*
Performance/Recital Thesis
A performance-based thesis designed to showcase the student’s instrumental or vocal talent. This thesis takes the form of a typical performance recital, requiring an advanced program of works that highlight the student’s skill and experience. This format assumes a traditional performance setting with small to medium production requirements. A final recording is required.
- Pre-screening requirements:
- A statement of support from the student’s priavte teacher recommending the student’s program for a thesis recital.
- Approval by DUS and thesis advisor on proof of concept.
- Approval by UPC and Manager of Events on production needs.
- Final Requirements:
- Written summary of program choices, relationship with instrument/voice and program of study, or other summary of experience.
- Formal performance of program in a professional performance setting, including secondary performers, collaborative artists, and ensembles.
- Full recording of performance.
- Department support:
- Venue access for performance space.*
- Performance staffing support.*
- Recording engineering support*.
Creative Thesis
We invite students to define a thesis project that is guided by the student’s interests, aptitudes, experiences, and creativity. This format assumes (but does not necessarily require) the need for performance space, recording services, and production engineers. A thesis of this kind might include many, or even all the concepts listed above, and may culminate in a self-composed, self-performed event that includes audio/visual presentations and/or other advanced needs. It may also result in a fully recorded end-product. Students pursuing this thesis type should feel free to suggest creative elements that expand beyond these boundaries. Students who opt to pursue a creative thesis will need to work closely with their thesis advisor, the DUS, the UPC, and the Manager of Events to ensure that their thesis will be achievable within the Thesis Timeline, based on the resources available.*
- Pre-screening requirements:
- Approval by DUS and thesis advisor on proof of concept.
- Approval by UPC and Manager of Events on production needs.
- Additional approvals, based on creative elements.
- Final Requirements:
- Written summary of creative concept, including discussion of the creative elements included in the final product.
- Where appropriate, a formal performance of works in a professional setting, including secondary performers, collaborative artists, and ensembles.
- Where appropriate, a full recording of performance event and/or final product.
- Support materials (as needed) in the form of audio/visual information, presentation slides, written materials, etc.
- Other deliverables as defined by creative elements.
- Department support:
- Venue access for performance space (if needed.)*
- Performance staffing support (if needed.)*
- Recording engineering support (if needed.)*
Thesis Proposal
Due in April of the student’s junior year, the honors thesis requires the student to submit a detailed proposal describing their project concept. This proposal must include the thesis title, type of thesis, and a detailed description. Proposal descriptions should establish the rationale for research, define proof-of-concept for creative events, and begin to identify basic support needs where appropriate. The student must also finalize their faculty thesis advisor at this time, and both the advisor and the DUS are required to sign off on this proposal to approve the student’s thesis plans. If the student is pursuing a joint thesis, then a signature from the advisor in both departments is required, and a Primary concentration and Allied concentration must be identified. The topic of a joint thesis must be inclusive of both concentrations. (More information on Joint Concentrations.) Before a proposal is submitted, students are required to meet all pre-screening requirements as described in the Thesis Timeline and Guidelines.
2024-25 Thesis Proposal Form [PDF]
The thesis proposal is due to the Music Department in April of the student’s junior year, based on the dates described in the Thesis Timeline and Guidelines.
Thesis Prospectus
Due in September of the student’s senior year, students are required to submit a thesis prospectus. The prospectus should be a significant expansion of the initial proposal and should include a detailed summary of what you hope to accomplish through further research or creation. It should outline goals, purpose, and the scope of your work, and it should describe your methodology and critical approach. It should also establish your project framework and describe the timeline to project completion. Where applicable it should include a bibliography, cited references, or examples.
Students should work closely with their thesis advisor to define prospectus definitions that align with their specific thesis type.
The thesis prospectus is due to the thesis advisor in September of the student’s senior year, based on the dates described in the Thesis Timeline and Guidelines.
Thesis Timeline and Guidelines
It is the responsibility of the student to follow the timeline, deadlines, and guidelines listed below as they navigate their thesis project. It is important to maintain close contact with thesis advisors, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and the Manager of Events throughout this process.
NOTE TO OFF-CYCLE STUDENTS WISHING TO PURSUE THE HONORS THESIS TRACK: please reach out to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator to receive off-cycle thesis timeline and deadline dates.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR JOINT CONCENTRATORS: Thesis deadlines may vary between departments. The Allied department will typically defer to the Primary department with regard to all deadlines, requirements, and formats. Students should schedule advising appointments with both departments before proceeding.
THESIS TIMELINE – CURRENT JUNIORS
October 17, 2023 – Thesis Practicum
All current juniors are required to attend this event to receive an overview of the honors thesis process, requirements, and timeline. Students will be introduced to the music faculty and will gain a basic understanding of the thesis advising process. This event will take place on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 3pm-4pm. Location to be announced.
Attendance at this event is required for all current juniors, regardless of honors thesis plans. Your spring semester advising hold will not be released unless you have participated in this event. If you are unable to attend for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to schedule an advising appointment with the DUS to review thesis details before your hold will be lifted.
November 3, 2023 – Pre-Screening for Performance, Recording, Composition, or Creative Theses
Students wishing to pursue performance, recording, composition, or creative theses must submit to pre-screening to determine readiness to continue.
Students are required to schedule a meeting with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator in advance of the deadline above to review pre-screening requirements and to submit a formal description for evaluation.
Additonal pre-screening requirements are listed below:
Composition Pre-Screening Requirements
- Students must have taken at least one advanced composition course within the Music Department prior to beginning their thesis trajectory.
- Students must submit a portfolio of recent work for consideration by the composition faculty. Portfolio should consist of 3–5 compositions showcasing your compositional and creative voice. Compositions must be submitted in score form. Students may submit live or computer-generated recordings in addition to your scores, but not in lieu of them. If students have audio-only electronically produced works, audio or digital files may be submitted via your preferred software platform, accompanied by a short statement outlining any compositional technique and/or technology used and inspiration behind the composition.
Recording Pre-Screening Requirements
- A description of anticipated recording needs including instrumentation, ensemble size, and musical styles.
- A general expectation for audio engineering and editing needs.
- A description of venue needs or preferred location for recording.
Performance/Recital Pre-Screening Requirements
- A resume of training and performance history (including music coursework.)
- An audition video of at least 15 minutes with three contrasting pieces.
- Where appropriate, a letter from the student’s primary teacher recommending the student’s program for a thesis recital.
Creative Pre-Screening Requirements
- If composition related, see Composition pre-screening above.
- If recording related, see Recording pre-screening above.
- If performance related, see Performance/Recital pre-screening above.
- For all other projects, it is required that you meet with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator to review pre-screening expectations based on your project expectations.
February 2, 2024 – Thesis Reminder and Advisor Status
Students will be reminded about the upcoming April deadline for thesis proposals and will be prompted to connect with thesis advisors, if they have not already done so. If students have not confirmed a thesis advisor by this date, then they should schedule an advising session with the DUS to strategize.
Students who have been successfully pre-screened for performance, composition, creative, or recording-based theses must submit any significant changes to their plans at this time.
April 5, 2024 – Thesis Proposal Due
All thesis proposals must be submitted to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator by this deadline using the provided Thesis Proposal Form [PDF] . Thesis advisors must be confirmed at this time, and both advisor and DUS must sign off on student proposals. Students considering a creative, performance, composition, or recording-based thesis must have met all pre-screening approval requirements to continue with a thesis in these categories.
Students must register for MUS99 Senior Tutorial for both semesters of their senior year.
THESIS TIMELINE – CURRENT SENIORS
September 29, 2023 – Thesis Prospectus Due
Thesis candidate is required to submit a detailed prospectus to their thesis advisor by this date.
A reminder that students must register for MUS99 Senior Tutorial for both semesters of their senior year.
November 3, 2023 – Thesis Support Approval and Venue Deadline
Students are required to schedule a meeting with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and the Manager of Events prior to this date to confirm production support needs and venue confirmation for performance-track or recording-based theses. Students are required to submit a detailed Tech Rider at this time to formally request support services.
December 1, 2023 – 50% Thesis Due
Students are required to submit 50% of their final thesis to their thesis advisor. Students should coordinate with their thesis advisor to confirm requirements for all non-written thesis elements.
February 2, 2024 – Thesis Production Confirmation and Sign-off
Students must communicate any significant updates for production needs with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Manager of Events in advance of this date. Any updates to the Tech Rider must be finalized at this time. No further production updates will be permissible without the express consent of the Manager of Events.
February 16, 2024 – Complete Thesis Draft Due
A complete thesis draft must be submitted to advisors by this date. Students should coordinate with their thesis advisor to confirm draft requirements for all non-written thesis elements.
March 8, 2024 – Final Thesis Deadline
All theses must be completed on or before this deadline for both performance and non-performance track theses. All final documents, support materials, and/or digital media must be completed and submitted by email to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator. All performance-based events must be complete by this deadline. All theses that include a recorded element (including final editing and engineering,) must be completed and submitted by email to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator before this deadline.
April 16, 2024 – Thesis Colloquium
All thesis candidates are required to take part in the Thesis Colloquium. This event is an opportunity for the student to present a summary of their thesis to Harvard’s music community and to celebrate their well-earned achievements with their colleagues. Taking place at the Learning Lab at the Derek Bok Center for Learning, students are encouraged to consider how your thesis can be presented using this creative space.
May 6, 2024 – Final Thesis Revisions Due
All final thesis revisions and updates are due to the Music Department by this date and should be submitted via email to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator. This includes all final support materials, recordings, edits, or updates. No further updates will be accepted after this date.
WINTER BREAK
Students are strongly advised to use the winter break period to make significant progress
on their thesis work in advance of spring semester deadlines.
Thesis Production Acknowledgement
All theses requiring any form of department production support or resources as defined above must provide the following information and/or adhere to the guidelines set below. A request for production needs should be sent to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator by submitting a comprehensive Tech Rider that outlines detailed production needs and expectations.
Students commit to meeting these requirements and/or working within the established guidelines. All thesis support will be provided at the discretion of the Department of Music.
Date, Time, Duration, and Scheduling Requirements
- Thesis performances of any kind are limited to 90 minutes total, including intermission.
- Performances, recordings, or any theses requiring venues, services, and staffing must take place during the dates and times offered by the Music Department at the time of the Support Approval and Venue Deadline (November.) Event dates must be confirmed in advance and approved by thesis advisors and DUS prior to the point of scheduling.
- Venues, equipment, and production support and services are offered at the discretion of the Music Department. It is the student’s responsibility to articulate their needs to the best of their ability by submitting a Tech Rider where necessary and adhering to the deadlines for information as defined in the established Thesis Timeline and Guidelines. Students may opt to supplement department resources with external funding. External funding is the responsibility of the student.
Technical Rider Specifications
Performances, recordings, or any theses requiring venues, services, and staffing require the student to submit a Tech Rider to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator for evaluation by the Music Department. The Tech Rider should include the following information with as much detail as possible:
- Venue requirements and/or preferences.
- Ensemble instrumentation.
- Stage diagram, including both performers and equipment.
- Piano requirements.
- NOTE: Extended techniques, prepared piano, atypical tunings, and other modifications (including removal of lid) are offered only at the discretion of Music Department staff. These atypical needs should not be assumed. Please visit Piano Services for more information.
- Audio/visual recording needs.
- Audio amplification needs.
- Visual projection needs.
- Other details as required.
Available Support Services and Staffing
Support services are available in the areas below at the discretion of the Music Department, based on resource availability, and based on the guidelines provided above. Requests for the services below should not be assumed. All requests for support be included in the student’s Tech Rider. All thesis support will be provided at the discretion of the Department of Music.
Available department resources include:
- Audio/visual recording services or staffing.
- Recording editing or engineering.
- Audio amplification.
- Video projection.
- Front of house and/or stage crew for public performances.
- Use of piano.
*A Word About Thesis Support Levels…
The Music Department is committed to supporting theses that require department resources in the areas of venue access, equipment use, staffing services, recording services, and audio/visual engineering. Thesis support must be carefully coordinated with Music Department administration for approval, based on the Thesis Timeline and Guidelines, and based on available resources. All thesis support will be provided at the discretion of the Department of Music.
Students interested in pursuing recording, performance, or creative theses of any kind commit to working closely with Music Department administration to ensure that any department resources needed are reasonable, clearly articulated, and approved by the department in advance. Students may opt to supplement department resources with external funding. External funding is the responsibility of the student. Students agree to meet the terms described in the Thesis Timeline and Guidelines.
Loeb Music Library Research Support
Librarians with the Loeb Music Library are available to provide research assistance for student thesis projects. During a one-on-one research consultation, librarians can assist with defining topics, developing search strategies, identifying and locating new sources, organizing research, working with unique materials, and obtaining items external to Harvard.
Students are encouraged to sign up for a one-on-one research consultation here. For further questions, please contact Kerry Masteller.