Overview

Key facts

Ethnomusicology encompasses studies of music and culture and integrates aspects of musicology and anthropology as well as music performance, history, and theory.

Distinguished Faculty

Faculty in the program include internationally known authors and scholars with deep roots and connections to their specific areas of focus. Faculty research and interests are broad-ranging, but include expertise in African, Asian, Caribbean and Latin American musical cultures, among others.

Visiting Artists

UW Ethnomusicology’s visiting artist program has been a hallmark of the program for more than 50 years, bringing highly accomplished musicians to the university to work with students in applied music courses and public performances. Students study with artists from Afghanistan, China, India, Ireland, Korea, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Tanzania, and elsewhere.

Opportunities

In addition to performance opportunities with visiting artists, UW Ethnomusicology students participate in a range of ensemble courses, including the UW Steelband, Zimbabwean Marimba Ensemble, Javanese Gamelan, and Gospel Choir. Graduate students regularly present at academic conferences nationally and internationally and work closely with faculty mentors on field studies worldwide.

Areas of Distinction

The UW Ethnomusicology Archives hold unique audio and video collections of the world’s musical cultures. The department also houses an instrument collection featuring high-quality instruments from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas.

The Ethnomusicology program from University of Washington claims a wide interdisciplinary reach across university programs ranging from anthropology, history, and health sciences to dance, sociology and international studies, and intersects with School of Music programs in music history, theory, education, and performance.

The the newly added BA in Ethnomusicology degree is intended for students who are intrigued by the diversity of the world’s musical expressions and are interested in interdisciplinary perspectives that illuminate music’s cultural contexts and meanings. Learn more about the BA in Ethnomusicology.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Ear Training
Theory

Music Cultures of the World: The Americas

Music Cultures of the World (Near East, Central Asia, Far East, South and Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the Philippines)

World Music

Independent Study

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00

More details

Video auditions are accepted for winter auditions only and are due Jan. 31st.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

quarter credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Seattle, United States

Disciplines

Musicology View 379 other Bachelors in Musicology in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you have submitted your online application to the UW.
Prepare the audition repertoire for your instrument.
Read the Audition Information page
Sign up for a live audition date or submit a digital audition. While in-person auditions are highly encouraged, if you are unable to attend a live audition with School of Music faculty, you have the option to audition via video. Please note that live auditions sign-ups close two weeks prior to the audition date. Video auditions are accepted for winter auditions only and are due Jan. 31st.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42077 USD / year

≈ 42077 USD / year
Out-of-State

42077 USD / year

≈ 42077 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12899 USD / year

≈ 12899 USD / year

Living costs

Seattle

United States

1480 - 2580 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Ethnomusicology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts

Distinguished Faculty

Visiting Artists

Opportunities

Areas of Distinction

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Seattle

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners