Music History

Program Description: Music History at Suffolk University

The Music History program at Suffolk University offers students an in-depth exploration of the development and evolution of music across different periods, cultures, and genres. This program is designed for students passionate about understanding the historical context of musical works, composers, and movements that have shaped the musical landscape we experience today. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will examine key periods such as the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras, gaining insights into the social, political, and cultural influences that have affected musical composition and performance over the centuries.

The program emphasizes critical listening, musicological research, and analytical skills, equipping students to interpret and appreciate a wide array of musical styles and traditions. Students will have opportunities to study primary sources, such as scores, manuscripts, and recordings, as well as secondary literature that provides scholarly perspectives on musical history. The coursework includes topics like the development of musical forms, the role of music in society, the evolution of musical instruments, and the history of musical institutions.

In addition to classroom learning, students are encouraged to engage in practical experiences, including attending concerts, participating in discussions, and presenting research projects. The program prepares graduates for careers in musicology, archival work, arts administration, education, and other fields where a deep understanding of musical history is valuable. With faculty experienced in diverse areas of musicology and a commitment to fostering analytical and research skills, the Music History program at Suffolk University offers a comprehensive education for aspiring music scholars and enthusiasts.

Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue further academic study or to contribute meaningfully to cultural institutions, media, and education sectors that value historical knowledge and analytical expertise in music. Whether interested in scholarly research, curatorial work, or public education, students will find the program tailored to develop their knowledge, analytical abilities, and appreciation for the rich heritage of music worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

• USD 16265 Module (National)

Full-time: 12-17 credits per semester $16,265

• English

Course Content

Foundation Requirement (2 courses, 8 credits)

• MUH-101 History of Music I

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  A chronological survey of Western music from Gregorian chant to the death of Beethoven. Assigned readings, critical listening, class discussion and concert attendance.

  Term:

  Offered Fall Term

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• MUH-102 History of Music II

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  A chronological survey of Western music from Schubert to the present. Assigned readings, critical listening, class discussion and concert attendance.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

Advanced Courses (8 courses, 32 credits)

Music Courses (6-8 courses, 24-32 credits)

• MUH-211 Music of the United States

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  Survey from Colonial times to the present. Various attempts to create an indigenous style. Folk, religious music and symphonies, jazz and American musical theater. Composers include Billings, Beach, Ives, Copland, Bernstein and others.

  Term:

  Alternates Fall & Spring

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• MUH-221 History of Women in Music

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  The history of music from the Middle Ages to the present presented in the lives and music of women composers, performers, and writers. Assigned readings, critical listening, class discussion and concert attendance.

  Term:

  Alternates Fall & Spring

  Type:

  Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• MUH-223 World Music

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  Selected topics in the folk and traditional music of Africa, the Near East, the Far East, and the Pacific, examined in the context of their cultures and their roles in the life of the indigenous peoples of those areas. Assigned readings, critical listening, class discussion, and concert attendance.

  Term:

  Occasional

  Type:

  Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• MUH-227 Jazz

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  Evolution of jazz from blues and ragtime through Dixieland and the avant-garde experiments of today. Contributions of major soloists, arrangers and composers. Listening, reading and concert attendance.

  Term:

  Occasional

  Type:

  Cultural Diversity Opt A,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• MUH-331 Music in Film

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  This class studies the history and development of film music through reading, lecture and class listening. We investigate the process of film scoring, and how music and its relationship to film have changed over the last century. The class includes discussion and evaluation of different compositional styles and practices to listening critically to film scores while viewing movies.

  Term:

  Occasional

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• MUH-510 Independent Study

  Credits:

  1.00- 4.00

  Description:

  Substantive reading/research in area of special interest directed by a faculty member.

Related Options (A maximum of 2 courses, 8 credits)

• MUH-110 Music Theory

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  Topics in music history and theory, including terminology, notation, scales, chords, and basic composition, score analysis and aural skills, historical periods and genres. Assignments include reading, writing, listening, and class discussion.

  Term:

  Occasional

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

Or choose any Art History course offering at 200-level or above

Notes:

• AP Credit: not applicable.

• A maximum of 3 courses taken at other institutions or as part of a study abroad program may be applied toward the major.

• Independent Study (MUH-510) may be taken only once (permission required).

Requirements

We do not use specific minimums for scores or grades in the decision process, but weigh all factors together to gain a whole view of you and your potential for success as a Suffolk University student:

• Level and range of high school courses selected
• Grades achieved (official high school transcript with senior year grades)
• SAT or ACT scores (our code is 3771)
• Recommendations (two required; one from a guidance counselor, one from a teacher)
• The essay
• Other required forms
• Admission interview (optional)
• Transfer students should view the transfer requirements page for more details.

In high school, you should have completed:

• Four units of English
• Three units of mathematics (algebra I and II and geometry)
• Two units of science (at least one with a lab)
• Two units of language
• One unit of American history
• Four units distributed among other college preparatory electives

We may also consider other factors in the review process, such as:

• Class rank
• Honors courses
• AP courses

We are also very interested in personal qualities that will offer us further insights into you as an applicant, including:

• Admission interview
• Extracurricular involvement
• Community service
• Special interests

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Suffolk University.

The Music History program at Suffolk University offers a comprehensive exploration of the development of music across different periods, genres, and cultural contexts. Students enrolled in this program gain a deep understanding of the evolution of musical styles from early civilization to contemporary times, examining key composers, works, and historical events that have shaped the musical landscape. The curriculum includes detailed studies of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th-century, and contemporary music, providing students with a chronological framework to analyze musical trends and innovations.

Students are encouraged to develop critical listening skills, music analysis techniques, and an appreciation for diverse musical traditions. The program integrates theoretical courses with historical perspective, allowing students to contextualize musical works within social, political, and artistic movements. Practical components may include research projects, presentations, and accessible opportunities for engagement with live performances and recordings. The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of music in society and its influence on cultural identity.

Suffolk University’s Music History degree prepares graduates for careers in musicology, archival work, arts administration, education, and related fields. It also serves as a foundation for further graduate studies. The program typically involves a combination of lectures, seminars, independent research, and collaborative projects facilitated by experienced faculty members. Students are often encouraged to participate in university-sponsored concerts, lectures, and cultural events to enrich their understanding and appreciation of music’s historical significance.

Overall, the Music History program at Suffolk University offers a rigorous, engaging, and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the rich tapestry of musical development throughout human history, aiming to produce well-rounded, knowledgeable scholars and practitioners who appreciate the depth and diversity of musical expression.