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To become a musicologist, one needs an undergraduate degree in music and a graduate degree in musicology. Graduate programs vary, and students should research programs to find the best fit. A doctoral degree can offer more opportunities, and postdoctoral work can lead to further research and job opportunities.
Someone who wants to become a musicologist will need to obtain a graduate degree in this field. This requires developing a research topic for a master’s thesis and/or graduate dissertation. With educational credentials, it is possible to start a career as a musicologist, doing work that can range from expert witness in intellectual property cases to developing a music program at a college or university. Careers in musicology can vary, depending on your degree and personal areas of experience.
The first step for anyone wanting to become a musicologist is an undergraduate degree in music. Some schools offer musicology, music history, music theory, and related degrees. This degree lays the groundwork for postgraduate research. Undergraduate students should plan for instruction with musical instruments and may want to pursue internship and research opportunities that they can apply to graduate school.
Graduate programs in musicology are available at several universities. A student planning to become a musicologist may want to visit several programs to learn more about their offerings and the type of work the graduate faculty supports. This can help students decide where they want to go to school. Someone interested in ethnomusicology and the study of traditional instruments, for example, needs a more multidisciplinary program. Students who want to study the evolution of hip hop, on the other hand, need to find a school with experts in this field.
Students applying to graduate schools to become musicologists often need test results and may need a portfolio of work along with letters of recommendation and a strong personal essay. Candidates who seem interesting will receive interview requests. They visit the school to meet faculty and students, undergo an interview and discuss their planned research topics. It is important to show how the research is unique and will contribute to the field and to demonstrate adequate preparation for postgraduate courses, which can be demanding.
A master’s degree can offer many opportunities for someone intending to become a musicologist, but a doctoral level may be better. The higher qualification can be advantageous in job applications, as well as in other situations where people need to have professional credentials. It is also possible to pursue postdoctoral work to expand research and develop further publication credits, as well as having the chance to work with leading members of the field. Further training and experience can be valuable when graduates apply for positions available in college faculties and in other settings such as music libraries and record companies.
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