Ethnomusicology

Explore how people around the world use music and sound to shape their lives.

Ethnomusicology at the Conservatorium

Our students examine how culture shapes music—and how music shapes culture. By studying the practices, values and ideas related to music making in a particular culture, we seek to make broader claims about social life in the modern world.

Our program is defined by its methods, which include ethnographic fieldwork, interviewing, and participant observation, as well as its questions, which draw from approaches in anthropology, media studies and other related disciplines. Our program is closely allied with Musicology and popular music studies.

Study Ethnomusicology

We will provide you with multiple pathways into learning about traditional, popular, and art musics from around the world. Undergraduate Bachelor of Music students can apply to major in ethnomusicology, taking a guided program of specialised study. Graduate student study options include the Graduate Diploma (by coursework) and research higher degrees (MMus and PhD).


Undergraduate students from other areas of the University can learn about non-Western traditions and popular music styles through related breadth study subjects such as Musics of the World, Global Pop, and Area Studies in Ethnomusicology.

World music performance ensembles

We support a diverse world music performance program featuring five non-Western ensembles. As a student, you will have the opportunity to acquire practical skills in a range of traditions, including the Chinese silk-and-bamboo ensemble, the Central Javanese gamelan, West African drumming, Japanese shakuhachi, and world choral styles.

Ethnomusicology courses

Undergraduate

Visit the University of Melbourne course site to find out more on undergraduate courses

Graduate

Visit the University of Melbourne course site to find out more on graduate courses

The most enjoyable part of my study is learning about cultural diversity through the wide array of music found around the world. Everything from Japanese rap to Brazilian samba to Hindustani classical music — it is incredibly compelling

James McKinnon
Bachelor of Music, specialisation in Ethnomusicology
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Music, animation, and dance students take over Fed Square’s digital façade on New Year’s Eve

20 December 2022
Students from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) at the University of Melbourne will take over Fed Square on New Year's Eve with...
  • Dance
  • Interactive Composition
  • Film and Television
  • Victorian College of the Arts
  • Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
View article for Music, animation, and dance students take over Fed Square’s digital façade on New Year’s Eve

Piers Lane (AO) announced as recipient of 2022 Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award

1 November 2022
Acclaimed pianist, Piers Lane (AO), has been awarded the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award at a  concert with Joseph Calleja and Amelia Farrugia....
  • Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
View article for Piers Lane (AO) announced as recipient of 2022 Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award

A powerful musical experience: University of Melbourne Orchestra to perform Mahler 2

25 August 2022
The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will be returning soon to the Hamer Hall stage with Mahler’s mighty Second Symphony (The Resurrection), led by their Chief...
  • Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
  • Music Performance
View article for A powerful musical experience: University of Melbourne Orchestra to perform Mahler 2

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