Overview

The Ethnomusicology programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides a rigorous academic framework for investigating music within its diverse social and cultural contexts. This advanced course of study prepares students for professional careers by examining music as a vital social practice through various disciplinary perspectives.

Students are introduced to the intellectual history of the field, exploring significant paradigmatic shifts and robust research methodologies. The curriculum is designed to equip scholars with the tools necessary for conducting high-level ethnographic fieldwork and original research into global music communities.

The learning environment is enriched by seminars that focus on specific global music cultures and thematic topics.

Why Ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the Herb Alpert School of Music, a premier institution for 21st-century musical scholarship. Students benefit from an environment that hosts high-profile guest artists and world-renowned scholars from across the globe, including premier musicologists and composers.

The institution offers unparalleled resources, such as the Ethnomusicology Archive and the World Musical Instrument Collection. These facilities support a unique "bi-musicality" methodology, where academic study is paired with practical performance training in diverse global traditions and world dance studies.

Research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is supported by dedicated centres, including the World Music Center and the Center for Latino Arts. These hubs foster a collaborative atmosphere where students can connect with colleagues and faculty who are leaders in their respective musical fields.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Ethnomusicology
Global Music Cultures
Music and Gender
Music and Politics
Music and Religion
Music and Economics
Music and Philosophy
Aesthetics
Musical Practice
Research Methodology
Ethnographic Fieldwork

Careers with Ethnomusicology

Graduates from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are prepared for influential roles across several sectors. Many pursue careers within the academy as researchers and educators, while others find success in the music industry or the public sector.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for roles in cultural heritage policy-making and arts administration. Alumni have successfully transitioned into professional positions where they apply their deep understanding of global music traditions to transform creative and executive structures.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Ethnomusicological Perspectives and Paradigms

Ethnomusicological Methods

Performance Ensembles

Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Anthropology

Sociocultural Systems and Ethnography, Anthropology at Mid-Century

Scientific and Interpretive Frameworks in Contemporary Anthropology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

48 alternative credits

Quarter Units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Musicology View 293 other Masters in Musicology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US institution or comparable international institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

An undergraduate major in music is not required as long as the applicant has the necessary background in music theory and musicianship to pursue graduate study.

Statement of Purpose

3 letters of recommendation are required

Writing Sample: The writing sample should demonstrate originality and creative conceptual thinking, competence in dealing with technical musical issues, writing skill, and proper documentation

Unofficial Transcript(s): Upload unofficial copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended

Personal History Statement

Interview

Academic Records

English Language Requirements: All applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency in order to be eligible for admission

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

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

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

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master'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.

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Overview

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

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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