Academic & Performance Areas

Musicology/Ethnomusicology Area

About the Program

The musicology area at the Michigan State University College of Music specializes in both historical musicology and ethnomusicology. The program consists of a distinguished faculty of scholars whose research covers all periods of Western music history and cultures from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Faculty members work closely with students, promoting student success in research and writing about music, as well as in conducting ethnographic and archival research.

The program's historical musicology faculty (Drs. Bonge, Hess, and Lowerre) teach courses in the full range of Western music. Ethnomusicology faculty (Drs. Kalumbu and Largey) specialize in the music of Africa and the African Diaspora (including North America and the Caribbean). Students in the program have studied a variety of traditions including Cuban music, Anglo-American fiddling, Korean Christian music, Native American music, cultural representation in Malaysian museums, and congregational singing in Mennonite churches.

Other program information:

• Courses are conducted through graduate seminars, lecture discussion classes, and large lecture classes for undergraduates, and independent study.
• Students can double major, meaning they can earn a degree in a related or unrelated field while pursuing their musicology degree. Half of the current students are in dual degree programs.
• The program boasts consistent placement of master's students in competitive graduate programs throughout the nation.
• Class sizes are kept small for the highest quality instruction, advising, and individualized attention.
• Number of musicology majors: eight; two students are admitted each year.