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Ethnomusicology - M.A.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural associations of music with our Ethnomusicology graduate degree. Gain global coverage, theoretical perspectives, and opportunities to communicate effectively within and outside the field. Start your journey towards a career in world music or continued doctoral studies.

 

Applications to the M.A. in Ethnomusicology are not being accepted at this time.

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College of the Arts
School of Music
www.kent.edu/music

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Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology - M.A.

Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University’s Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology provides targeted education in ethnomusicology. Develop research techniques and learn about musical communities around the world while gaining valuable experience performing global music in one or more of our ensembles. This program offers career benefits for students looking to specialize in ethnomusicology.

Graduate Assistantship Information

The ethnomusicology program at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University boasts the first and one of the only Thai Music Ensembles in the United States. In addition, students can participate in the Caribbean Steelband, the Chinese Ensemble, or the African Music Ensemble. Our faculty specializes in the musics of East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

Program Information for Ethnomusicology - M.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Ethnomusicology is designed to offer students a solid foundation in regional studies of music style, performance practice, history and cultural associations in order to prepare students for continued graduate studies at the doctoral level and/or public sector careers in world music. The program integrates theoretical perspectives relevant to the discipline with these practical aims, so that students can communicate effectively with persons within and outside the field of ethnomusicology.

While a balanced global coverage is emphasized, Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ music faculty focus on studies in Central Africa, mainland Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Caribbean, North and South America and the Middle East, as well as popular music studies. Theoretical concerns include sociocultural identity, semiotics, gender studies, politics and power, ritual studies, globalization and hybridity, as well as studies in inter-related arts (e.g., dance and theatre).

Admissions for Ethnomusicology - M.A.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the M.A. in Ethnomusicology are not being accepted at this time.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement(s)
  • Academic paper written in English
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 50 PTE score
    • Minimum 100 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Recognize, identify, interpret and discuss theoretical concerns and important contributions of historical figures in the field of ethnomusicology, as well as representative music styles from different historical periods, countries and ethnic populations.
  2. Demonstrate and apply fieldwork techniques including proficiency with photography, videography and audio recording, interviewing and participant-observation research.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute an efficient and productive lecture presentation in an academic setting for use at professional conferences, concert performances and classroom teaching that includes time management, clear and effective explanation, efficient use of multi-media and successful question and answer interactions.
  4. Utilize and discuss theoretical issues related to ethnomusicology and related disciplines, such as socio-cultural identity, semiotics, gender studies, politics and power, ritual studies, globalization and hybridity.
  5. Identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy.
  6. Analyze compositional forms, appropriate to the specific vocal or instrumental areas of study.
  7. Display performance and interpretation skills in music.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
MUS 55314WORLD MUSIC ENSEMBLE (taken three times for 1 credit hour each)3
MUS 61173WORLD MUSIC ANALYSIS 3
MUS 62411MUSIC BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH METHODS 2
MUS 62412INTRODUCTION TO ETHNOMUSICOLOGY 3
MUS 62414ISSUES AND TRENDS IN ETHNOMUSICOLOGY 3
Major Electives, choose from the following:6
MUS 52111
AFRICAN MUSIC AND CULTURES
MUS 52131
MUSIC OF THE UNITED STATES
MUS 52141
FOLK MUSIC OF EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA
MUS 52151
ASIAN MUSICS
MUS 52161
HISTORY OF JAZZ
MUS 52181
POPULAR WORLD MUSIC
MUS 62171
MUSIC FROM WORLD CULTURES
Seminar Elective, choose from the following:3
MUS 62281
SEMINAR IN MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE
MUS 62601
SEMINAR IN MUSICS OF AFRICA
MUS 62602
SEMINAR IN MUSICS OF THE AMERICAS
MUS 62603
SEMINAR IN MUSICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
MUS 62604
SEMINAR IN MUSICS OF EAST ASIA
MUS 62606
SEMINAR IN MUSICS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Non-Ethnomusicology-Focused Course 13
Culminating Requirement
Choose from the following: 26
MUS 68092
GRADUATE INTERNSHIP
MUS 68099
CAPSTONE PROJECT
MUS 68199
THESIS I
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32
1

Students are expected to take a non-ethnomusicology focused course from an outside discipline (e.g. anthropology, music education) approved by the ethnomusicology faculty.

2

For the culminating experience, all students selecting must pass a final oral examination.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Applications to the M.A. in Ethnomusicology are not being accepted at this time.

Accreditation for Ethnomusicology - M.A.

National Association of Schools of Music

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Ethnomusicology - M.A.

Those who complete the Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University can benefit from specialized career opportunities in the ethnomusicology industry. Our graduates have continued on to Ph.D. programs at leading institutions such as the University of California, Indiana University, University of Illinois, Florida State University, and the University of Pittsburgh. They have found work at the Library of Congress and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have been awarded prestigious Fulbright fellowships. 

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

5.6%

faster than the average

116,300

number of jobs

$69,690

potential earnings

Archivists

7.9%

faster than the average

8,100

number of jobs

$56,760

potential earnings

Curators

12.6%

much faster than the average

14,500

number of jobs

$56,990

potential earnings

Musicians and singers

0.9%

little or no change

175,600

number of jobs

$N/A

potential earnings

Music directors and composers

1.7%

slower than the average

58,000

number of jobs

$52,250

potential earnings

Museum technicians and conservators

11.6%

much faster than the average

14,800

number of jobs

$45,710

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.