07.02.06 MA – Major in Musicology
MA in Musicology “en passant”
The MA in Musicology is awarded after completing 30 credits of coursework towards the PhD in Musicology, including the two Introduction courses, one Theory course, four Musicology seminars, and one foreign language examination.
MA in Musicology (General)
Prerequisites:
An undergraduate degree in music or similarly broad knowledge of music history and music theory, including analytical ability and aural skills.
Upon entry to the program, students take placement exams in music theory and history. If remediation is required, the appropriate courses are taken, but their credit does not count towards the degree. The same is true of any English-language instruction and/or instruction in bibliography that is needed.
Residency: At least one year of full-time study is required. See section 05.01 (Residency) for more information.
| Courses | Credits |
| MUY 501 (Introduction to Musicology) | 4 |
| MUY 502 (Introduction to Ethnomusicology) | 4 |
| Musicology Seminars1 – minimum of 4 courses (500-level or above) | 16 |
| Electives2 | 6 |
| MUY 495 (MA Special Project) | 4 |
| Remedial courses – Please refer to 05.03 Orientation, Placement Examinations, and Remediation. | __ |
| Total | 34 |
1 Students must take a minimum of four musicology seminars, but may choose them freely—none is named as a specific requirement, and none is a prerequisite to any other.
2 Electives may include additional musicology seminars, theory courses, courses at the River Campus (in history, art history, philosophy, literature, etc.), and applied music courses (studio lessons, composition lessons, chamber music, etc.). Credit for applied music courses is limited to 3 credits. Remedial courses and language courses below the 200 level do not count toward the elective requirement. Arts Leadership (ALC) courses do not count for elective credit.
Foreign Language Requirements for the Historical Musicology Concentration
Students admitted to the musicology MA program are required to demonstrate proficiency in understanding written musicological (or musicology-related) texts in German, French, or Italian. A student whose field of specialization requires a different language may petition the department to substitute it. Students are required to pass an exam administered by the musicology department, whether or not they take coursework to prepare for this exam. Students are encouraged to take the exam in the first semester of study; passage of the exam is required before taking the Comprehensive Oral Exam.
Special Project
As a culminating demonstration of professional capability in the major field, the student will submit a final project that demonstrates advanced competence in research and writing in music history or musicology. The final project may be a thesis, a series of special papers, or written work of equivalent scope and depth. Students will devise individualized topics and carry out research with the guidance of a faculty advisor.
