Ethnomusicology

Ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland, College Park offers a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to explore the rich diversity of musical traditions around the world. This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of how music functions within different cultural, social, and historical contexts. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, experiential learning, and fieldwork opportunities, students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyze, interpret, and engage with a wide variety of musical practices. The curriculum covers topics such as the history of world music, music and identity, ethnographic research methods, and the cultural significance of musical performance. Students are encouraged to explore their own interests through individualized research projects, guided by faculty who are experts in areas including African, Asian, Latin American, and Western musical traditions. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, utilizing the university’s resources such as recording facilities, ethnographic labs, and extensive archives. Alumni of the program pursue careers in academia, music production, cultural preservation, arts administration, and community outreach. The degree prepares students for graduate study or entry into a variety of fields where an understanding of global musical cultures is essential. Collaboration with local communities, participation in seminars, and opportunities for study abroad deepen students’ engagement and cultural competence. With its interdisciplinary approach, combining musicology, anthropology, and performance studies, the Ethnomusicology program at Maryland equips graduates with a rich, globally-informed perspective on music as a vital aspect of human life and cultural expression.

Doctoral students are required to complete 36 credits, including 12 credits of MUSC 899: Doctoral Dissertation Research. In addition, students are required to pass a foreign language exam.

Required courses include:

• MUSC 620: Analysis of World Music (3 credits)
• MUSC 679: Seminar in Ethnomusicology (3 credits)
• MUSC 679: Seminar in Ethnomusicology (3 credits)
• MUSC 438X: Area Studies in Ethnomusicology (3 credits)

Electives (12 credits)

The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires the satisfactory completion of a significant body of coursework that, in the student's and Graduate Advisor's judgement, prepares the student for the preliminary examination that leads to admission to candidacy, as well as certain specific courses required in each area of specialization. A grade of B- or better is required in all courses used to fulfill requirements for the degree. A dissertation (whether written, or in project form) is required for all doctoral degrees in music. A Principal Advisor for the dissertation will be chosen by the student and the academic advisor; the Principal Advisor and the student will then nominate the remaining members of the dissertation committee. The student must submit a detailed Prospectus of the dissertation to the members of the dissertation committee and the Graduate Director, and must be admitted to candidacy prior to the approval of the dissertation committee by the Graduate School. The dissertation must be successfully defended before the entire dissertation committee. The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires a Written Dissertation.

Requirements

Admission to the graduate degree programs in music is highly selective. It is determined primarily by a performance audition, tapes and scores of original compositions, scholarly research papers, letters of recommendation, and/or successful teaching experience; additionally, in some academic areas, the general GRE scores are considered. All non-native English-speaking students must achieve a score of 575/233/100 on the TOEFL to be invited for audition/admission (see the School of Music's admission website for detailed English language requirements).

1. GRE General for Ethnomusicology, Historical Musicology, Music Theory and Ph.D. Music Education applicants
2. 3 Letters of Recommendation
3. Audition/Interview (where applicable)
4. Repertoire/List of Performances (where applicable)
5. Research paper (where applicable)
6. Two scholarly papers or thesis chapters for Music Theory
7. Scores for Composition
8. Pre-screen recordings for flute, collaborative piano, solo piano, conducting, trumpet and vocal applicants. Please see our website, www.music.umd.edu, for further information.

We require a passing TOEFL score (minimum 100 IBT, 233 CBT, 575 PBT) for all applicants whose primary language is not English before we will process your application or consider you for a live audition. The requirement will be waived for applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree from an institituion in the United States or another approved English-speaking country.

Scholarships

A number of competitive fellowships, graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships, operatic assistantships, and orchestral assistantships are available. Preference for financial assistance will be given to those who have filed an application for admission to the University and the School of Music Supplemental Application by December 1 (for performance programs) and January 15 (for Music Education only) and have been officially admitted.

The University of Maryland, College Park offers a comprehensive program in Ethnomusicology through its renowned College of Arts and Humanities. The program is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of music from diverse cultures, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical experience. Students explore music as a social and cultural phenomenon, studying its role in society, traditions, and history across different regions of the world. The curriculum includes courses in music history, ethnographic methods, fieldwork techniques, and area-specific studies, allowing students to specialize in particular regions or musical styles. The program encourages students to gain hands-on experience by engaging in field research, recording, and analyzing authentic musical performances in various communities. Faculty members are experts in their fields, offering guidance on topics such as African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Western musical traditions, as well as contemporary global music trends. Students have access to university facilities such as recording studios and ethnographic resources to support their research and projects. Opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and participation in concerts and festivals enrich the educational experience. Graduates of the Ethnomusicology program are well-prepared for careers in academia, cultural preservation, music industry, non-profit organizations, and public education. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from anthropology, history, and musicology, fostering a comprehensive understanding of music's role in human societies. With a strong emphasis on research, fieldwork, and cultural engagement, the Ethnomusicology program at the University of Maryland aims to prepare students to become knowledgeable and culturally sensitive practitioners and scholars.