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Music History Major

Bachelor of Music in Music History

Advance your understanding of and appreciation for the development of music with the Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music History in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Boyer College of Music and Dance. You’ll build a foundation for graduate studies or careers in archival history, education, journalism and performance. Music History majors study musical style, technique and theory throughout historyÌýand examine the evolving impact of music on society.

In this major, housed within the Department of Music Studies, students choose the instrumental, piano or voice concentration. You’ll gain a broad cultural perspective of music with a particular focus on form, practice and style. Coursework in this 124-credit undergraduate degree program also explores music research, music theory and stylistic analysis. You can take private lessons and participate in choral or instrumental ensembles.

Students in the Music History BM program are taught by professional faculty, many of whom bring years of experience in classical performance, critical theory and opera, among other areas. The small size of the department fosters a collaborative, mentoring environment among students and faculty.

Classes & Curriculum

As a Music History major, you will study and researchÌýthe evolution of music from the Renaissance through contemporary forms. Along the way, you’ll also enhance your mastery of your chosen instrument. Some of your classes will include

  • Basic Conducting;
  • Counterpoint;
  • Music in History; and
  • Theory I through IV.

Learn more about required courses for the Bachelor of Music in Music History.

Related Graduate Degrees

A student reads a book of sheet music.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Music offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $22,248.00 per year
Out-of-state: $39,072.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

The Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts has a centralized advising office with five staff members. This advising team serves all undergraduate students in the Boyer College of Music and Dance and the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts.

Advisors help students navigate the undergraduate curriculum for each degree program. The academic advising team for music, dance, theater, and film and media arts majors is located in Mitten Hall, Suite 200 West.

To schedule an advising appointment based on your individual needs or for more help, contact the advising team.
Phone: 215-204-2227

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Program Contact

Edward Latham is the chair of the Music Studies Department.
Phone: 215-204-8498
Email:Ìý

Student Clubs & Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts.ÌýThere are more than 200 student organizations at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

  • hosts numerous concerts, forums and seminars to foster a community of musicians who are dedicated to exploring contemporary musical ideas and performing new compositions.
  • gives students an open forum to discuss and develop scholarly work within the disciplines of music theory and musicology. Each semester, THEMUS hosts guest, faculty and student lectures. THEMUS organizes a regional graduate student conference each year for theory and musicology.

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Study Away

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s study away programs offers all full-time, degree-seeking students the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or summer abroad. Host countries include Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain.

Study abroad advisors will help you with your study abroad plans for either a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø program or an external program.

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Accreditation

The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the

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Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

  • Violin
  • French Horn
  • Trombone
  • Flute
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Trumpet
  • Oboe
  • Percussion
  • Saxophone
  • Piano
  • Viola
  • Harp
  • Harpsichord
  • Double Bass
  • Voice
  • Bassoon
  • Tuba
  • Euphonium
  • Classical Guitar

Additional Program Information