Master of Arts in Musicology

Butler University’s Master of Arts in Musicology is a two-year program designed to prepare students for doctoral studies in musicology or related fields. Students may also elect to pursue the MA in musicology in combination with other MM degrees at Butler and are encouraged to take part in ensembles and applied lessons alongside their studies in musicology. In addition to coursework, students complete a substantial thesis under the supervision of music history faculty and are supported in their professional development through regular meetings of Butler’s Musicology Study Group. Music history students at Butler have given papers at academic conferences throughout the United States and have gone on to pursue the PhD in musicology at distinguished institutions such as Indiana University, University of California (Davis), and University of Chicago.

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Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2027 for Fall 2027 entry

Step 1: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission.

Application Requirements:

Completion of a US bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Online Application for Graduate Admission
Personal Statement
Résumé
Two letters of recommendation commenting on your musical and academic abilities.
Transcripts from all colleges and universities where you did the following*:
- Earned a degree
- Earned more than 15 credits (undergraduate and graduate)
- Completed any program prerequisite (regardless of number of credit hours)
- Completed courses for which candidates are applying for transfer credit
International applicants must provide proof of a minimum level of proficiency in the English language as well as submit additional financial documentation. See the International Student Application process.
Pre-screening videos

*Transcripts
Copies of official transcripts may be uploaded in the online application for application review only. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required to submit official, final transcripts issued directly from the institution(s) for verification prior to enrollment. More information is available in the application for admission.

Step 2: If you pass the pre-screening phase, you will be invited to interview with the Musicology faculty, either on-campus or virtually. You will be contacted by the School of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. If you have any questions or have not been contacted about your pre-screening results or to set up an audition, please email JCAadmissions@butler.edu.

Step 3: Complete any Graduate Assistantship position interviews/auditions. Requirements differ by position. We will do our best to include any required evaluations during your audition day.chool of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. If you pass the pre-screening, you will be invited to interview and audition with the choral faculty. The audition will consist of conducting a portion of a Butler choral ensemble rehearsal, an informal solo performance on either voice or piano, and an aural skills exam. If you have any questions or have not been contacted about your pre-screening results or to set up an audition, please email JCAadmissions@butler.edu.

We offer a limited number of graduate assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers to graduate music students in the fall of every academic year. Graduate awards are reviewed and renewed annually. Below is a list of positions related to the MA in Musicology degree; view a full list of graduate assistantship positions.

Note: New students applying for entry in the spring semester will not be eligible for a graduate assistantship, fellowship, or tuition waiver, but may apply for the following academic year.

Music Theory & History Tutor

Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Students pursuing any degree plan are welcome to apply.

How to Apply: Select the Music Theory & History Tutor position when prompted on the Graduate Application. An interview is required.

Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.

Duties: Tutor undergraduate music students in one-on-one sessions and lead group review sessions for exams in written theory, aural skills, music history, and/or keyboard skills classes. Other duties as assigned. Position will require 10 hours of service per week.

Faculty Supervisors: Dr. Fred Hosken, Assistant Professor of Music Theory; Dr. Nicholas Johnson, Associate Professor of Musicology; Dr. Sophie Benn, Assistant Professor of Musicology, Associate Director of Graduate Music Studies.

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Master of Arts in Musicology

Music Theory & History Tutor