Music History
The Music History division at the University of Louisville welcomes applications from students who wish to pursue degrees with a specialization in music history at the bachelor's and master’s levels. The program’s main commitment is to teaching music as an academic discipline and to fostering the study and understanding of music in its diverse historical and cultural contexts. The division is dedicated to providing a strong foundation in the field to all students and in-depth training for music history students with preparation for college teaching as an important component. First-year graduate students work closely with professors, and qualified graduate students gain actual teaching experience in the classroom during the second year of study. Unique library collections provide opportunities for original research, and the faculty possess a wide range of teaching specialties, research achievements, and performance expertise.
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Bachelor of Music in Music History
The Bachelor of Music in Music History degree is offered for students who have academic aspirations and are developing an interest in pursuing the study of music history at the graduate level, perhaps with a goal of teaching in higher education and pursuing music research, or who are interested in careers as music librarians. In addition to the goals of the School relating to all professional degrees in music, the music history undergraduate degree seeks to develop foundations and knowledge in particular areas for continued study in the field: music analysis; understanding the development of musical form and its relationship to music literature; relationship between music and the cultural/historical context of time and place; exposure to a variety of musical cultures. Research techniques and effective written/oral communication skills must be demonstrated by the development and presentation of a senior paper.
Requirements for Emphasis in Music History - BM (4 year) 134 hours
Every University of Louisville School of Music student must complete the following degree requirements:
- 2-4 semesters of Piano (individual to major)
- 4 semesters of Theory
- 4 semesters of Music Literature
- Private Lessons
- Principal Ensemble Performance
- Recital Attendance (15 per semester for 6 semesters)
- General Education Requirements (hours vary)
The liberal arts degree in music affords the student the opportunity to pursue the study of music at the collegiate level and also to combine the study of music with an outside field. In some cases, we have developed some specific areas of emphasis but the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree offers the student a wide array of choices, limited only to his imagination. This degree is popular with students who want to eventually earn an advanced degree in medicine, law, or some other area.
A professional degree in music is a highly concentrated degree with approximately 85 of the 131 hours in music. There is a solid general studies core of subjects included in this degree as well. Most of the students who pursue this degree will go on to graduate school and to more advanced study in music.
