Music
Explore the rich world of music history and culture through advanced interdisciplinary study.
Music, Musicology Concentration, M.M.
The Master of Music degree program with a musicology concentration is an advanced course of study for musicians holding a Bachelor's degree. It permits the interdisciplinary study of music by examining when, where, how, and why people create, experience, understand and write about music. Coursework in the program is designed to provide access to in-depth studies of music history and culture while the free electives allow for the student to conduct specialized and cross-disciplinary investigations into their chosen topic of study. The program typically provides students with the skills needed to continue their studies toward the Ph.D. in Musicology.
News Briefs
Graduate says professors' support helped him accomplish dreams
Growing up in Maryland, Chris Pfeifer has been drawn to music for as long as he can remember, buying first guitar from a pawn shop after saving his allowance. It was while in college that he realized he was more attracted to music research and teaching than composition. Soon his education journey led him to MTSU where he earned his Master's degree. "The curriculum was exciting and challenging," he said, adding the support of his professors and School of Music staff. "When I struggled with the myriad pressures of grad school, my professors and T.A. supervisor were always there to help rather than let me flounder. MTSU separates itself by having outstanding educators who can teach students not only how to become better musicians and scholars, but also how to become skillful teachers themselves." Pfeifer is now preparing for the dissertation phase of his Ph.D. "I could not have accomplished (this) without the help of the amazing faculty and staff of MTSU," he said.
Musicology program prepares students for future careers
Dr. Gregory Reish, a musicologist and music historian, was hired as the director of MTSU's Center for Popular Music in 2014. "The Center for Popular Music is one of the world's largest research archives of rare materials related to the study of American popular music in all of its breadth. Other universities don't have this, and it really is one of our greatest treasures and resources," he said. Dr. Reish says that MTSU's musicology program prepares students for admission to a doctoral program or careers like publishing or music criticism. "Getting an advanced degree in a discipline like musicology is about much more than just taking your classes, writing your papers, and passing your exams (all of which are important!). It's also about learning how to work with original resources, how the academic study of music history fits into the larger worlds of the university and the community, and how to engage with audiences of all sorts. It's about being a steward of an immensely rich cultural tradition, preserving it, teaching it, and passing it down to subsequent generations."
News Briefs
Graduate says professors' support helped him accomplish dreams
Growing up in Maryland, Chris Pfeifer has been drawn to music for as long as he can remember, buying first guitar from a pawn shop after saving his allowance. It was while in college that he realized he was more attracted to music research and teaching than composition. Soon his education journey led him to MTSU where he earned his Master's degree. "The curriculum was exciting and challenging," he said, adding the support of his professors and School of Music staff. "When I struggled with the myriad pressures of grad school, my professors and T.A. supervisor were always there to help rather than let me flounder. MTSU separates itself by having outstanding educators who can teach students not only how to become better musicians and scholars, but also how to become skillful teachers themselves." Pfeifer is now preparing for the dissertation phase of his Ph.D. "I could not have accomplished (this) without the help of the amazing faculty and staff of MTSU," he said.
Musicology program prepares students for future careers
Dr. Gregory Reish, a musicologist and music historian, was hired as the director of MTSU's Center for Popular Music in 2014. "The Center for Popular Music is one of the world's largest research archives of rare materials related to the study of American popular music in all of its breadth. Other universities don't have this, and it really is one of our greatest treasures and resources," he said. Dr. Reish says that MTSU's musicology program prepares students for admission to a doctoral program or careers like publishing or music criticism. "Getting an advanced degree in a discipline like musicology is about much more than just taking your classes, writing your papers, and passing your exams (all of which are important!). It's also about learning how to work with original resources, how the academic study of music history fits into the larger worlds of the university and the community, and how to engage with audiences of all sorts. It's about being a steward of an immensely rich cultural tradition, preserving it, teaching it, and passing it down to subsequent generations."
Music, Musicology Concentration, M.M.
Alumni from the School of Music teach thousands of students every day in private studios and schools from kindergarten through university levels. MTSU graduates perform in orchestras, military ensembles, and opera companies; appear in clubs and recording studios with the famous and yet-to-be-known; compose music for Hollywood films and commercial jingles; lead professional music organizations; work in the music industry; serve as church musicians; and continually enrich the lives of others. Some continue on to enter prestigious doctoral programs. A sample of potential professional pathways for music master’s students:
- Artistic director
- Band director/leader
- Choral/choir director
- Church musician/worship leader
- College professor/instructor
- Conductor
- General music teacher at elementary/middle schools
- Music educator
- Music theater director
- Musical director
- Orchestra librarian
- Studio musician
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Bellevue Middle School
- Belmont University
- Cane Ridge High School
- Case Western Reserve University
- Chattanooga Symphony
- Cumberland University
- The Downtown Band
- Earl Klugh (Grammy winner)
- EMBRA Artists, LTD.
- Fairview Middle School
- Jeff Coffin (Grammy winner)
- Jonathan Fletcher Music
- Lipscomb University
- MEINL Percussion
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Murfreesboro City Schools
- Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra
- Nashville State Community College
- Northeast Mississippi Community College
- Old Center Elementary School, Nashville
- Onks Woodwind Specialist
- Siegel Middle School
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- University of Louisiana-Lafayette
- University of Northern Colorado
- Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Brochures
General Application Procedures
- Submit through the University’s Application tool (button below):
- Submit application with the appropriate fee
- Submit official transcripts of all previous college work
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Email directly to the program coordinator of interested area
- Additional Requirements (video links, papers, compositions, etc)
- By the February 1 deadline
- Complete a Student Application (if interested) for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Additional application requirements
Additionally, those seeking a specialization in musicology must submit two (2) research papers of at least five (5) pages in length, one of which is on a music topic.
Please send writing samples and any questions you might have to [email protected].
Resources
- Graduate Studies Information Sheet
- To Be Admitted
- Financial Assistance
- Music History Diagnostic Exam (Not applicable for Music Education concentration)
- Music Theory Diagnostic Exam (Not applicable for Music Education concentration)
Links
- Reference Forms
- Graduate Students in Music
- Ensembles
- Facilities
- Student Utilities
- Faculty by Field of Study
- Visiting Faculty
Libraries
Public Accountability Notice
Middle Tennessee State University has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1970.
To see data about the program, please visit this webpage: https://planeffectiveness.mtsu.edu/master_music/.
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