Bachelor of Music in Music History

For those interested in the academic study of history and who possess a love of music, the discipline of musicology represents an ideal means to combine the two. The Musicology Area at the MU School of Music offers a range of courses at both basic and more advanced levels that provide students with a diversity of approaches to the study of this art form. Among the focus areas are courses directed to style periods, composers, genres, and special topics. Students may also self-direct their coursework in part through the mechanism of independent studies, where topics are selected in collaboration with a professor, who then serves as the student’s mentor through the investigative process. This liberal education is designed to help prepare students as scholars and musicians for a possible career in college teaching.

These degrees culminate with the ability to work one-on-one with a faculty member in conducting research, whether the project be a capstone experience at the undergraduate level or a thesis at the master’s level. Students are also encouraged to participate in academic conferences and to showcase their research in printed form as possibilities arise. A regularly scheduled seminar in which musicology students and faculty participate not only builds a sense of community and serves as a venue for intellectual exchange but also affords the opportunity for students to present their work to their colleagues and instructors.

Students pursuing the emphasis in Music History must also pass a portfolio review conducted by faculty in the music history area, typically completed at the end of their second year. Before submitting the portfolio, students must complete three courses—MUS_H_LI 1338, MUS_H_LI 2307, and MUS_H_LI 2308. The portfolio will consist of writing samples from these or other courses involving writing as part of the course requirements.