Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Theory

Musicology, ethnomusicology and music theory studies at BGSU help students grow in their exploration of music history, jazz, popular music and world music by studying a range of historical contexts, cultural theory, analytical techniques, styles, sources and genres. 

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate students who are interested in any of these areas are encouraged to consider the Bachelor of Musical Arts degree. The BMA gives students the flexibility to choose academic music courses that align with their own interests, to incorporate a minor in or out of music and to develop an integrative capstone project. The BMA is an excellent choice for students who wish to prepare themselves for graduate school or work in museums, arts organizations, or other related fields.  

Master’s degrees in music history and ethnomusicology allow students to pursue detailed work that prepares them for doctorate programs.  These graduate degrees require seminars in a variety of topics and methodologies, one foreign language, comprehensive exams and a thesis or portfolio, as well as participation in the department's small ensembles that focus on diverse musical periods and traditions. These include the Afro-Caribbean, world music, early music and new music ensembles. 

Qualified students may also take studio lessons and courses in BGSU’s Department of Popular Culture, Ethnic Studies, History, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and elsewhere across campus.   

Program strength and uniqueness 

  • Individual attention 
  • Teaching opportunities in the first year 
  • Mentorship in both research and teaching 
  • Excellent record of placing graduates into top Ph.D. programs 
  • Flexible culminating experience—students choose to write a thesis or submit a portfolio of work 
  • Wide-ranging faculty interests 
  • Resources of a large research university 
  • One of the top contemporary music programs in the country

Faculty Specializations

Our ethnomusicology faculty specialize in multiple geographical and theoretical areas of study, including the music cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora, the Americas, the Middle East, Central Asia and Indonesia. Concentrations include:

  • American and global popular musics
  • Music and media
  • Post-colonial studies
  • Women’s, gender and sexuality studies
  • Organology
  • Voice studies
  • Disability studies

BGSU's music history faculty have specializations ranging from early music to the 21st century. Focal points within the department include:

  • Cultural exchange
  • Religion and politics
  • Social life within the courts of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries
  • Modern opera
  • Popular culture influences in Western art music
  • Music in film
  • Music history pedagogy

Our students are free to explore these topics and any others of their choosing as they continue through their coursework.

Special Resources

Bowling Green State University features specific library collections in music and popular culture. The Sound Archives contains largest collection of popular music in North America.

The College of Musical Arts houses the Mid-American Center for Contemporary Music, which sponsors the largest annual New Music Festival in the Midwest. Contemporary music is a special strength in the College, which offers a DMA in Composition, Conducting, and Performance tracks.

Financial Resources

Resources are available to assist student workshop participation, research, and conference attendance. In addition, several assistantships are offered to Master’s students for graduate study. Check the departmental page listing assistantship opportunities for more information.

Updated: 11/01/2024 10:13AM