Music - History and Literature Western Washington University

Overview

The Music - History and Literature programme at Western Washington University offers a rigorous academic foundation for students passionate about musicology and ethnomusicology. This professional degree combines intensive historical research with core musical disciplines to prepare graduates for advanced scholarly pursuits.

Students within this pathway engage deeply with the evolution of musical traditions across various cultures and eras. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills, ensuring that every participant gains a sophisticated understanding of how music functions as a reflection of society and human expression.

Instruction is delivered by a dedicated community of artists and educators who prioritise an inclusive and professional artistic experience.

Why Music - History and Literature at Western Washington University?

Western Washington University provides an exceptional environment for musical study, featuring the College of Fine and Performing Arts. Students have access to world-class facilities, including a 700-seat Concert Hall, a 1,000-seat Mainstage Theatre, and a fleet of Steinway grand pianos for practice and performance.

The institution is known for its supportive atmosphere, where faculty members recognise the vital role of artists in the community. Students frequently win regional and national competitions, and the department offers significant financial support, awarding over $200,000 in scholarships annually to talented individuals.

Distinctive opportunities include international touring, with recent ensembles visiting China, Spain, Portugal, Finland, and Estonia. These global experiences, combined with the university's strong reputation, ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the professional world or for entry into prestigious graduate schools.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 27690 per year
• National fee: USD 27690 per year
• Local fee: USD 8523 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Music History
• Music Theory
• Aural Skills
• Keyboarding Skills

Careers with Music - History and Literature

Graduates from this programme are highly regarded within the profession and find success in a diverse range of roles. Many choose to further their education at top-tier graduate schools, while others move directly into careers within the global music industry and cultural sectors.

Common career paths include positions in arts administration, where graduates manage cultural organisations and events. Others find opportunities in musicology research, archival work, or within the media industry, contributing their expertise to film, television, and digital content creation.

The degree also prepares students for roles in education, ranging from primary and secondary school teaching to university-level instruction. Additionally, the strong foundation in performance and theory allows some graduates to work as professional performers in symphony orchestras and opera houses.