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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January 1: Application deadline for fall entry, including pre-screening materials for voice applicants.

March 1: Interview and audition deadline for fall entry.

Step 1: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission. NOTE: To submit a graduate application, you need to have previously completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and be seeking an advanced degree. Your Application for Graduate Admission should include:

Butler Application
A Professional Statement
Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities where candidates:
- 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
Resumé
Two letters of recommendation
International applicants must take the TOEFL as well as submit additional financial documentation. See International Student Application process.

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 at that time 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: Complete the JCA Graduate Music Supplement. The supplement will appear on your application status page after submitting your Application for Graduate Admission. The supplement is required in order for your application to be considered complete.

Step 3: Submit Pre-Screening materials which includes a scholarly paper representing undergraduate music history work. This can be submitted on your Application Status Page (after beginning the Graduate Application) or emailed to music@butler.edu with subject line listing your full name and “Musicology Pre-Screen”.

Step 4: Complete an interview with Musicology faculty. Interviews will be scheduled through the School of Music office beginning in mid-January. Applicants must receive approval of their pre-screening materials before being invited to interview. Interview deadline for fall entry is March 1. If you have any questions or have not been contacted about your pre-screening results or to set up an interview, please email music@butler.edu.

Total Credit Hours: 30 credit hours
Anticipated Duration: 2 years
Degree requires a thesis and final oral comprehensive exam

Required Courses:

Research in Music
Analysis of Music Since 1900
Analysis of Tonal Music
Music History Electives
General Music Electives
Thesis
Final Oral Examination

Download full degree guide as a PDF: MA in Musicology

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 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 review sessions for exams in written theory, aural skills, and keyboard skills classes. This position will likely also include other duties within the School of Music. Position will require 10-20 hours of service per week. Schedule, specific duties, and exact number of hours per week are to be determined.

Faculty supervisors: Dr. Jeff Gillespie, Professor of Music Theory and Coordinator of Music Theory. Dr. Andrew Farina, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory.

Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference is given to MA in Musicology students, but students pursuing any degree plan are encouraged to apply.

How to apply: Select the Music 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 review sessions for exams in music history classes. This position will likely include other duties within the School of Music. Position will require 10-20 hours of service per week. Schedule, specific duties, and exact number of hours per week are to be determined.

Faculty supervisors: Coordinator of Musicology

Nicholas Johnson, Director of Graduate Studies, Professor of Musicology

For application or general questions, contact the School of Music office at music@butler.edu or 317-940-9065.

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Master of Arts in Musicology

Important Dates

Steps for Applying

Music Theory Assistantship (Music Theory Tutor)

Musicology Assistantship (Music History Tutor)