The Music History program provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive, chronological study of all periods of music within a broad cultural perspective, paying special regard to performance practice and the development of musical form and style. This program introduces the student to principles of music research and stylistic analysis, develops theoretical skills, broadens the working knowledge of the literature and expands the ability to write about music in an effective and convincing manner.

The graduate program offers a detailed examination of the musical styles of specific periods, genres, and composers as well as issues of performance practice. The analytical techniques and research procedures essential to the professional music historian are strengthened. Students are encouraged to participate in the Early Music Ensemble and may earn additional applied credit if they meet the performance requirements. Those who wish to do so may simultaneously pursue a second degree program, such as Music Theory or Performance, while meeting the credit hour requirements of the Music History degree program. Students entering the master’s program should have a reading knowledge of a foreign language, a well-rounded background in music history and theory, and should be able to write clearly and correctly in English. A master’s written project is the culmination of this program.

Students who have earned the MM in music history are currently teaching in institutions of higher learning or have found employment in arts administration and other related fields. A significant number of graduates have successfully pursued PhD degrees in musicology at various universities.