Musicology, M.A.

Matriculation Requirements

Applicants must offer at least 36 credits in music courses including courses in analysis, counterpoint, harmony, and history.

Consideration is given to applicants who do not meet course requirements but have unusual talent or experience equivalent to course work. Such applicants should consult the assistant director.

A placement examination is given to all applicants for admission. The test includes writing skills (harmonic and contrapuntal techniques), analysis, history, and literature. Further information about the examination may be obtained from the assistant director.

Applicants in musicology must submit with the application two papers on either historical or analytic subjects.

General matriculation and admission requirements of graduate studies are in the section “Admission.”

Program Requirements (30–36 Credits)

Thirty credits and a thesis or 36 credits and no thesis are required for the degree in musicology. Before completing 12 credits, students must pass a test given by the Conservatory of Music in French, German, or another language approved by the assistant director. Students who completed their bachelor’s degree using a modern language other than English may be exempted from this language examination by the assistant director. Students must pass a comprehensive examination. Information about requirements for the comprehensive examination and thesis is in the section “Academic Regulations and Procedures.” Courses in the conservatory offered toward the degree must be 7000-level courses. The program of study must be approved by the conservatory.

Music U7000G; Music U7400G; four courses chosen from Music U7601G through U7651X, Music U7840X, U7850X, and 7860X, to include two seminars in history and one in theory; and one course chosen from Music 7700X through 7781X. Students may submit a thesis acceptable to the conservatory or complete specified required courses in lieu of a thesis. Students who choose to write a thesis must complete Music U7930X. Students who do not choose to write a thesis must complete three courses chosen from Music U7601G through U7651X, U7840X, 7850X, and 7860X.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrated ability to research and write in a critical and well documented fashion about a variety of musical topics in the areas of music history, theory, and/or analysis.
• Proven familiarity with the major periods, styles, genres, trends, and cultural contexts for the history of Western music (classical, popular, vernacular, or jazz), with initial foundations for further study in at least two periods of music history.
• Proven familiarity with the richness and diversity of American and/or global musics.
• Acquaintance with the best practices for the research of music of all kinds.
• Practical experience with technologies currently required for the field of musicology (e.g., presentation software, alternative format papers, podcasts, etc.)
• Proven ability in verbal communication and readiness to present materials in a conference format.

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Application Deadline: March 1, rolling admission
• Spring Application Deadline: November 1, rolling admission

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Two papers on historical or analytical subjects to the Conservatory of Music

All applicants are given placement examinations.

Required Tests

• F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.

NonDegree Applicants

This program accepts nondegree applications.

• 12 credits in music or equivalent are required but not necessarily a music degree.
• Nondegree applicants must submit online application and transcripts.

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.

COntact

Alexandra Lewis, Graduate Performance Adviser

401s Whitehead Hall
E: alewis@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5000, ext. 2649

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.4536

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:

BC Admissions Appointment Tool