Department of Music Areas

Music History & Music Theory

Theory & History Area News

The Music History, Music Theory and Composition Area offers students the opportunity to put their musical activities in a broader cultural and analytical context. We believe that a well-rounded music educator or performer will seek out a deeper understanding of musical ideas in order to communicate with students or audiences.

Music Theory Curriculum

Music Theory & History Courses

  • Freshman Theory & Ear-Training
  • Sophomore Theory & Ear-Training
  • Orchestration
  • Form and Analysis
  • Composition
  • Music History I: Antiquity, Middle Ages & Renaissance Periods
  • Music History II: Baroque & Classical Periods
  • Music History III: Romantic & Twentieth Century Periods, World Music
  • History and Appreciation of Music

Upper Division Study Guides


Music History & Music Theory Faculty
Elaine Peterson
Dr. Elaine Peterson
Dr. Elaine Peterson is a Lecturer in Music History and Double Reeds at Mississippi State University. In this position, she teaches music history, music appreciation, and private oboe and bassoon lessons. (read more...)
Rosangela Sebba
Dr. Rosangela Sebba
Dr. Rosângela Yazbec Sebba, a native of Brazil, is an Assistant Professor of Piano and Music Theory at Mississippi State. (read more...)
James William Sobaskie
Dr. James Sobaskie
Before coming to Mississippi State University, Dr. Sobaskie held positions at the University of California, Riverside, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Norbert College, and the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. (read more...)