MA in Music (Critical Music Studies) in Stony Brook United States | Stony Brook University, SUNY

The MA Program generally spans two years, offering participants the opportunity to transition into the PhD program. The doctoral program typically requires five to six years to finish. During the initial two years, students undertake Masters-level coursework to prepare for qualifying exams, which occur at the conclusion of the second year. Years three and four involve collaboration with a steering committee to refine research interests, develop skills, and craft a dissertation proposal. The remaining time is dedicated to completing the dissertation. Critical Music Studies (CMS) adopts an interdisciplinary framework for examining music and sound across historical and contemporary contexts. Previously known as History-Theory-Ethnomusicology, CMS provides a comprehensive perspective on the critical and humanistic exploration of musical creation, performance, and reception across diverse cultures and eras. Faculty and students frequently transcend traditional academic boundaries, producing dissertations that merge ethnographic fieldwork with historical research. This innovative spirit is mirrored in our flexible curriculum, which encourages students to venture beyond conventional disciplinary constraints. The revamped CMS program responds to modern scholarly trends emphasizing interdisciplinary work—particularly incorporating insights from sound studies, critical race theory, performance studies, and queer theory. Simultaneously, CMS aims to foster academic dialogue that remains responsive to global realities by supporting research that reflects the rich diversity of human experiences worldwide.