MA in Music in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The curriculum covers composition theory, musicology, ethnomusicology, and conducting. Composition theory focuses on theoretical concepts, analytical methods, and creative composition. Musicology involves historical research of musical pieces, their creators, and cultural contexts, incorporating both traditional and modern research approaches while developing strong writing skills for academic publications. Ethnomusicology provides in-depth study of the field's intellectual development, theoretical frameworks, field research methods, ethnographic studies, and transcription techniques, with specialized faculty knowledge in American music traditions (including African American, Latin American, and Indigenous music) and Asian musical traditions (particularly Korean and Indonesian). The conducting program (available only at the Master's level) focuses on advanced skills for leading orchestral and choral performances, covering contemporary music interpretation, rehearsal strategies, musical analysis, and performance traditions. All enrolled students are invited to participate in departmental performance ensembles. Students develop expertise in composition theory; music history across all eras; research methodologies; ethnomusicological studies; American music traditions; conducting techniques; and performance skills essential for music education and artistic creation. Students develop expertise in composition theory; music history across all eras; research methodologies; ethnomusicological studies; American music traditions; conducting techniques; and performance skills essential for music education and artistic creation.