Designing an online contemporary music theory curriculum: A systematic narrative literature review on music theory texts for undergraduate music education

As university courses cater to an increasingly diverse student body, educators must develop unit offerings that effectively meet student needs. Forming part of a broader investigation into designing a music theory curriculum for a regional university Bachelor of Music degree in Australia, this paper lays the foundations for the design of a comprehensive and relevant online curriculum for students from diverse musical backgrounds and varying music literacy levels. The authors present a Systematic Narrative Literature Review (SNLR) that addresses the question: What are the key theory texts that should be included in developing a contemporary music theory curriculum, blending common practice and popular music concepts, for undergraduate students? Drawing on a diverse body of literature, the SLNR critically evaluates both the content and the pedagogical approaches adopted in various music theory texts. The authors assess the texts' suitability for an online learning environment and their relevance to contemporary music education. Through a systematic inclusion and exclusion process, selected texts undergo narrative analysis, involving the organisation, comprehension, coding, categorisation, and interpretation of data. The analysis illuminates key themes, trends, and practical insights that inform curriculum development. The findings suggest a disparity between accessibility and engagement levels regarding information presentation, organisation, pacing, and repertoire. The study reveals the necessity of focusing on holistic music theory education, encompassing both common practice and contemporary music, a wide range of musical examples, and ultimately, adopting a listening-first model. This research holds significant implications for the design of effective and modern music theory courses tailored to the needs of today's undergraduate students. It contributes valuable insights into selecting appropriate learning resources that resonate with diverse learners and foster a deeper understanding of music theory concepts.