Music

The Graduate Program

The Department of Music offers graduate courses in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, composition, and music education. The musicology and ethnomusicology faculty is strong in medieval, Renaissance, seventeenth-century, eighteenth-century, and Romantic music, the music of Bali and India, popular music, jazz, sacred music, and twentieth-century music; in the history of music theory and criticism; and in research methodology. This is complemented by a distinguished faculty in music theory, composition, and music education. Lectures by visiting scholars and composers enrich the regular course offerings. The Boston University library and other major research libraries offer resources to support the highest levels of scholarship and research.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Department of Music maintains close contact with the School of Music in the College of Fine Arts. In fact, all of the faculty members of the Department of Music are also faculty members of the School of Music. Many of the courses and seminars are taken by graduate students of both schools. This allows students pursuing graduate studies in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, composition, and music education to maintain close contact with the practice of music. The faculty strongly believes that the history, theory, and practice of music are complementary components of a single discipline and encourages students to gain expertise in all areas.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Department of Music offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA) in Music with specializations in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, composition, or music education; and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in musicology and/or ethnomusicology. The degrees Master of Music (MM), and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) are offered through the College of Fine Arts. For further information on the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees, consult the College of Fine Arts Bulletin or email cfamusic@bu.edu.

Admission

In addition to the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the Department of Music requires the following:

• Official transcripts
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• A personal statement

Additional Specific Admission Requirements by Specialization

Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Music Theory A research paper on a musical topic. Applicants for the PhD degree submit a copy of their master’s thesis if they have completed one.

Composition Examples of musical compositions. If these are to be returned, the applicant must enclose an addressed envelope with sufficient postage to cover mailing.

Music Education A research paper.

Proficiency Examinations

All entering graduate students are required to take a theory proficiency examination immediately upon beginning their studies at Boston University. The proficiency examination includes basic harmony, ear training, form and analysis, orchestration, and counterpoint.

Any student who fails to achieve an acceptably high level on the proficiency examinations must fulfill prerequisite work in a manner to be determined and administered by the Department of Music faculty. Students may not register for advanced courses in areas of deficiency until the deficiencies have been resolved. Prerequisite coursework may not be credited toward degree requirements. Proficiency examinations are given only at the regularly scheduled dates, two times each year. Schedules are available from the School of Music, or by emailing cfamusic@bu.edu.