Musicology
Musicology at the Conservatorium has a long and distinguished history. Today this area includes a graduate specialist program with an undergraduate pathway.
Musicology at the Conservatorium
Musicologists research the history of music. They use diverse primary sources – newspapers, letters, diaries, concert programs, and more – to situate musicians and listeners within rich historical and social contexts.
At the Conservatorium, musicology is an interdisciplinary area with longstanding links to the wider humanities at the University of Melbourne, as well as with the Grainger Museum and Lyrebird Press. It sponsors a distinguished speaker series and organises weekly postgraduate seminars. It is also closely allied with Ethnomusicology and popular music studies.
Study Musicology
Undergraduate Bachelor of Music students can apply to major in musicology, taking a guided program of specialised study that leads to a written dissertation on a topic of their choosing. Our students develop knowledge and expertise that provides a basis for independent critical enquiry and research-based writing, as well as the ability to understand and present complex concepts. 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 Western art music and popular music styles through related breadth study subjects such as Music and Politics, Music and Film, and Rock Music.
Musicology courses
Our people
Musicological Society of Australia Conference 2020
Want to know more?
Get information on the courses you’re interested in, or ask our team a question.
Conservatorium events
-
‘A bit of a pain in the arse to the patriarchal music scene’: Women in Melbourne Rock and Pop, 1955-2015
Thursday 18 March 2021 - All day -
Intersecting Musical and Cultural Affordances: Transforming Everyday Tools Into New Musical Instruments
Thursday 15 April 2021 - All day -
The Fractured Self: Editing the letters of Alma Moodie
Thursday 20 May 2021 - All day