The Musicology major gives students the opportunity to develop a deep and sophisticated understanding of the cultural, historical, theoretical, and analytical situation of music across a variety of cultures and historical periods. Students complete two first-year courses which introduce the notion of inquiry-based musical scholarship. The two later year compulsory courses provide a broad understanding of styles of music writing (such as music criticism), as well as key theoretical and methodological skills, including an introduction to the study of key types of research documents and culminates on the writing of a research project using resources in one of Canberra’s cultural institutions. Thereafter, a wide range of academic music courses are available to students for them to complete the additional required 24 units of musicology to gain a robust preparation for Honours and postgraduate research in musicology.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Musicology major will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate high-level skills and knowledge of the languages, forms, materials, and techniques of a wide range of musics;
2. Develop and evaluate musical, cultural, and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with genuine scholarship and recent research;
3. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts in modes suited to a wide range of audiences, informed by sophisticated inquiry and scholarship;
4. Recognise and reflect on complex social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in music.

Relevant Degrees

• Bachelor of Music (BMUSI)