Offered By	ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Academic Contact	Dr Ruth Lee Martin

The Bachelor of Arts major in musicology aims to develop students' independent and creative thinking about music, a comprehensive knowledge of the musician's craft, and an understanding of music and of the musical profession as an integral part of world culture. Study emphasises the ability to research, analyse, discuss and critically reflect upon music in a range of different musical, cultural and technological contexts. Students may undertake music courses leading to an Arts major in music, an honours program in Musicology, or individual semester courses in European music or in music of other cultural traditions. Studies in world musics may also form part of the Indigenous Australian Studies major.

All students undertaking Music courses are strongly encouraged to participate in some form of music performance, whether choral, chamber, orchestral, or individual instrumental or vocal study.

BA Musicology major students may enrol in individual and ensemble performance courses at the School of Music as non-Bachelor of Arts elective courses. The core of the Musicology major is a sequence of courses examining musical periods, genres and cultures - both Western and non-Western - over the last four centuries. Within these courses students explore a variety of musical styles, historical periods, repertoire, approaches and concepts, through both historical and theoretical perspectives on music. Within the courses, students may be given a choice of topics and activities designed to develop a range of skills and knowledge in music.

Requirements

The Musicology major in the Bachelor of Arts requires the completion of at least 42 units, no more than 12 of which can be at first-year level. At least 30 units must be drawn from the following list of core courses:

* MUSM1201 Central Concepts of Music
* MUSM1203 Turning Points in Music: 1600 - 1914
* MUSM2088 Music in Indigenous Australian Society
* MUSM2089 Music in Asian Cultures
* MUSM2205 Australian Music
* MUSM2239 Highlights of World Music
* MUSM2250 Western Art Music of the Twentieth-Century and Beyond
* MUSM2251 Music in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Europe     

* MUSM2252 Folk Music

 

The remaining 12 units can be drawn from any courses offered by the School of Music (i.e. with a MUSM course code prefix).

A working knowledge of music theory (notation and basic tonal harmony) is assumed in all courses after the first semester of first year.

Musical performance and Composition
Students may undertake courses in instrumental and vocal performance, ensemble performance, or composition. Entry to these courses is usually subject to audition or interview. Intending students must contact the relevant Head of Area at the School of Music as early as possible (ideally towards the end of the previous semester) to arrange an audition before finalising their enrolment.

For information on Honours in Musicology click here.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.