Ethnomusicology - M.A.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Ethnomusicology is designed to offer students a solid foundation in regional studies of music style, performance practice, history and cultural associations in order to prepare students for continued graduate studies at the doctoral level and/or public sector careers in world music. The program integrates theoretical perspectives relevant to the discipline with these practical aims, so that students can communicate effectively with persons within and outside the field of ethnomusicology.

While a balanced global coverage is emphasized, Kent State music faculty focus on studies in Central Africa, mainland Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Caribbean, North and South America and the Middle East, as well as popular music studies. Theoretical concerns include sociocultural identity, semiotics, gender studies, politics and power, ritual studies, globalization and hybridity, as well as studies in inter-related arts (e.g., dance and theatre).

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement(s)
• Academic paper written in English
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 74 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 Duolingo test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program are able to:

1. Recognize, identify, interpret and discuss theoretical concerns and important contributions of historical figures in the field of ethnomusicology, as well as representative music styles from different historical periods, countries and ethnic populations.
2. Demonstrate and apply fieldwork techniques including proficiency with photography, videography and audio recording, interviewing and participant-observation research.
3. Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute an efficient and productive lecture presentation in an academic setting for use at professional conferences, concert performances and classroom teaching that includes time management, clear and effective explanation, efficient use of multi-media and successful question and answer interactions.
4. Utilize and discuss theoretical issues related to ethnomusicology and related disciplines, such as socio-cultural identity, semiotics, gender studies, politics and power, ritual studies, globalization and hybridity.
5. Identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy.
6. Analyze compositional forms, appropriate to the specific vocal or instrumental areas of study.
7. Display performance and interpretation skills in music.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students are expected to take a non-ethnomusicology focused course from an outside discipline (e.g. anthropology, music education) approved by the ethnomusicology faculty.

²

For the culminating experience, all students selecting must pass a final oral examination.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

National Association of Schools of Music