Musicology is the study of music on a deeper level than study one aspect of music. It includes the study of performance, the philosophy of music, its structure, sociology and anthropology, and the history of music. Most people who choose this field of study strive to teach after performing rigorous research on the different topics of music. When studying the history of music, musicologists analyze music from different time periods across nations and regions, music styles, and the people that performed it. In society, musicologists research the sociology of music and anthropology. Another aspect musicologists study is the technical aspects of music like music theory and analysis. Music functions in various ways- for aesthetics and the philosophy of music. Everyone has a unique perception of music and musicologists study those differences and how music affects our thinking. Finally, musicologists analyze music performance– instruments, acoustics, and the physiology of voice.
For those that would like to pursue musicology for teaching purposes, there are a few steps that you should know about! Becoming a musicologist requires a lot of research mainly at the graduate or doctoral level. After years of research, musicologists usually pursue a career in education and passing on the research they have done. They take classes like music theory, history, involving themselves in global music groups, and studying performance. While earning a Bachelor’s Degree, musicologists focus on learning as much as they can from their university’s music programs before narrowing down their focus of musicology in their Masters or Doctoral programs. The research done at a higher level of education includes research study, reading and writing, and critical thinking. These subjects include the study of copyright infringement; grant-making; editing; and publishing houses. Other job opportunities musicologists can pursue is teaching in high schools and prep school, working in research centers, and university administration. Also an option are arts administration and management in concert halls, education departments of symphony orchestras, and publishing. On the more technological side of music, musicologists help with recording and publishing at public radio stations, recording studios, and digital music publishing.
If you are looking for a career in musicology it is important to know what you will be learning and that you are ready to do a lot of research! Here at the Jerry Evans School of Music, we study some components that musicologists study that include: music theory, performance, possibly the history of music pieces to name a few. Call us today at 630-359-7725 or email admin@jeschoolofmusic.com to start music lessons.
