Music History

A major in music history exposes students to the world’s cultural music traditions and thoroughly discusses the role of music throughout history. Topics of interest might include the origins of musical notation, the pioneers of music theory and the historical figures in music who contributed significant bodies of work, changing the pattern of musical history. Students will learn about the unique musical periods throughout history and the types of music for which they were known, the history of today’s musical styles and the techniques that bring them to life. Courses in a music history major might include: History of Rock Music, History of Jazz, Black Music in America, Latin American Music Traditions, Traditional Asian Music and European Classical Music.

If you have a great love and appreciation for music, but perhaps do not wish to pursue the performance side of music, then music history may be the ideal major for you. After all, students and faculty discuss a wide variety of music, so the major is perfect for the music-obsessed. It also has the potential to open you up to different kinds of fascinating careers. Music history graduates can go on to pursue careers as sound engineers, promotion managers, independent music teachers and music educators at the elementary, secondary and college levels. With their vast exposure to different kinds of music, some go on to pursue careers as music critics, or even to write for well-known music publications.