Research - Music

Undergraduate research constitutes an important component of the course of study for our music students. Working closely with faculty members during the academic year, students have become involved with research in electronic music, ethnomusicology, and historical musicology. The papers and projects which result from these research activities are often presented at the annual College-wide Celebration of Student Research, a major event in the life of the College.

As an enhancement to the research component, the Department encourages students to travel off-campus and to immerse themselves in different countries and world cultures, either in the summer or as part of a junior year off-campus study program. The combination of travel and study offers invaluable opportunities for academic, cultural, and performance music experiences. Students may also arrange to serve as apprentices to professional musicians and/or arts managers. Off-campus study, whether national or international, may be facilitated by a Dill Grant and/or the Undergraduate Research Program.

The Music Department offers two classroom-based research courses: Mus 102—Introduction to World Music, and Mus 202—Instruments and Cultures. In each of these courses, participants are encouraged to select a research topic and question that is developed throughout the semester. Student research also occurs in the context of advanced courses; one example is Mus 401—the Senior Seminar, in which students select a topic in either historical musicology or ethnomusicology and write an in-depth, extended essay. Students are also encouraged to conduct research in conjunction with a faculty member that leads to publication.