Ethnomusicology

Students acquire basic practical and theoretical knowledge about various music-cultures and practices from around the world and their sociocultural significances. In analyzing a variety of musical idioms – from traditional to contemporary, elite to vernacular, and European to non-European to transcultural – students will gain insights into different transmission, performance, and creative practices as well as globally aware approaches to musical analysis. In exploring the relationships between music and identity, race, gender, economics, religion, migration, ecology, and other social issues, students will become critically aware of the social influences on music-making and the impacts of music-making on society. Ethnomusicological qualitative research methods will be introduced, along with interdisciplinary perspectives from across the humanities and social sciences. The integration of theory and practice is a central component of the program. In addition to academic seminars, students have the opportunity to carry out independent and practical Applied Ethnomusicology projects and to creatively engage with diverse musical traditions in ensemble courses (currently offered in Franconian , American , Arabic , and West/Central African musics). This cross-cultural and interdisciplinary foundation will allow students to approach future work in the cultural, social, public, and/or educational sectors with a breadth of artistic and cultural understanding and critical thinking abilities. The BA program also prepares students for the MA program in Ethnomusicology.