Music: Musicology, MMUS

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Musicology Concentration


Students must choose a concentration:

The School of Music has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1933.

Admission

For all degree programs, consult the admission requirements stated on the School of Music’s website. Fall admission only.

Requirements for admission to the Master of Music (MM) programs are a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or an equivalent degree from another accredited institution. Students holding other degrees may be admitted but will be expected to make up for any deficiencies and fulfill all requirements for the graduate degree.

Applicants in musicology and composition must present writings or other evidence of their ability to pursue work at the graduate level. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

Applicants to the MM  in Musicology require an iBT score of 96. A TOEFL iBT of 103 or higher is required for Full Status Admission to the University of Illinois Graduate College and School of Music. Please see the full English proficiency requirements; other terms of entry by departmental petition approval only.

Language Requirements

For the Master of Music program, applicants in musicology must have had one year of any language at the college level or the equivalent.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an essential part of the graduate experience.

Financial Aid

Fellowships, teaching, graduate, and research assistantships are awarded on a one-year basis, with continuation dependent upon success in the program. Specific information on application procedures is available from the Music Admissions Office, by phone (217) 244-7899, or by email.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Musicology Concentration


For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.

Thesis Option

8 hours selected from:8
Fieldwork and Ethnography
Analytical Methods: Musicology
Social Theory in Ethnomusicology
Seminar in Musicology
MUS 511Foundations and Methods of Musicology I4
MUS 512Fdns/Methods of Musicology II4
Electives to include 2 semesters of ensemble participation8
MUS 599Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree)8
Language Requirements
Courses taken to meet language requirements do not count toward the degree. See the departmental handbook for details.
Concentration requirements as listed in table above.
Total Hours32

Other Requirements

Other requirements may overlap
Concentration required Yes
Minimum 500-level hours required overall: 12
Minimum GPA: 3.0

Non-Thesis Option

12 hours selected from:12
Fieldwork and Ethnography
Analytical Methods: Musicology
Social Theory in Ethnomusicology
Seminar in Musicology
MUS 511Foundations and Methods of Musicology I4
MUS 512Fdns/Methods of Musicology II4
MUS 525Rdgs in Musicol and Mus Theory4
Electives to include 2 semesters of ensemble participation8
Language Requirements
Courses taken to meet language requirements do not count toward the degree. See the departmental handbook for details.
Concentration requirements as listed in table above.
Total Hours32

Other Requirements

Other requirements may overlap
Concentration required Yes
Minimum 500-level hours required overall: 12
Minimum GPA: 3.0

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Musicology Concentration


Students in the Master of Music with a concentration in (1) Musicology (thesis option) and (2) Musicology (non-thesis option) will:

  1. Acquire a familiarity with the methodological and interpretative conventions of the discipline (such as historiography, source study, theory, ethnography, analysis & aesthetics), while developing a foundational knowledge of specific areas of musicological study.  
  2. Develop an independent research topic, demonstrating fluency with primary sources and secondary scholarship, as well as showing appropriate skills in foreign language(s), communicating research objectives, methods, and conclusions in oral and written forms, and making a contribution to musicological knowledge and understanding.  
  3. Pursue specialized studies, developing expertise and synthesizing knowledge and ideas in areas of interest that enhance their required curriculum and/or professional goals. 
  4. Develop skills in musical performance by participating in a musical ensemble, demonstrating spontaneity and collaboration as appropriate. 
  5. Develop experience in university-level instruction and assessment in at least one area of musicology, gaining insights into classroom teaching, syllabus design, appropriate methods of evaluation, and current pedagogical issues within the discipline. 
  6. Gain experience of the workings of the profession and develop a foundational understanding of how to function successfully as a musicologically-trained scholar in a variety of career paths.

for the degree of Master of Music in Music, Musicology Concentration


School of Music

Director of School: Dr. Linda Moorhouse
Associate Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Reynold Tharp
Program Contact: Jenny Phillips
School of Music website
School of Music faculty
2040 Music Building, 1114 West Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3459

College of Fine & Applied Arts

FAA College website

Admissions

Overview of School of Music Admissions & Requirements
musicadmissions@illinois.edu
(217) 244-7899
Graduate College Admissions