If you are a music lover and want to study something related to music, a degree in Musicology is the right choice for your future, as it is the academic and scientific study of the ever-magical world of music. It encompasses the study of all types of music, from popular European songs to non-Western music.
Musicology, therefore, trains professionals with a range of skills for the study of the musical arts , equipping them with in-depth knowledge ranging from musical theory and composition to the role music plays within different cultures. Studying Musicology offers significant benefits, such as gaining an understanding of the history of music and the development of musical instruments.
Someone who studies music is known as a musicologist. As in other fields, there are various branches of musicology, ranging from music theory to comparative musicology, which enables the musicologist to analyse the performance of classical music or that of other cultures.
The profile of a musicologist comprises not only students passionate about music, but also accomplished musicians who already possess a deep understanding of instrumental technique. In short, it includes all those people who possess that special aura that music—always magical—brings.
Why study Music
Musicology is also vital for other professional roles beyond that of a musician. Indeed, there are roles such as music critic, anthropologist or archaeologist, in which knowledge related to music adds value, enabling an understanding of how different forms of music emerged, when new instruments came into common use, and how music has influenced different cultures throughout the ages. Thanks to musicology, it is possible, for example, to write music reviews of the highest standard.
Likewise, we find the modern musicologist, whose profile is capable of integrating a wide variety of disciplines. By exploring modern music , they can uncover interesting details regarding subcultures, such as the protest movement or rave culture. It is, in short, a way of viewing music within a cultural framework, in order to learn more about that culture.
How is music studied?
A musicologist also stands out for their focus on technical theory, examining patterns and mathematics in music. This can become highly complex, as there are instances where one must compare the music of different cultures or time periods.
At this point, we can mention ethnomusicologists – that is, people who specialise in the study of music from other cultures. Ethnomusicology is a growing field of study, driven by the increasing number of people interested in cultures other than their own.
Do you think musicology is the right choice for your future? If you decide to study music, you’ll have access to excellent career opportunities. Musicologists can work for record labels or music publishing organisations, amongst other great career options. Furthermore, they can also take on roles in the areas of copyright, licensing and legal administration.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to work with composers and artists, there are employment opportunities in recording studios. It is worth noting that a career in teaching should also be given serious consideration by musicologists, as it is possible to work as a musicology lecturer.
Finally, it is worth noting that you can work in music libraries, write for magazines, engage in musicological research or even become a musician if you so wish, provided you possess the necessary skill and proficiency in playing an instrument.
As you have seen, musicology is a field dedicated to the study and understanding of music. Before pursuing a successful career as a musicologist, it is vital to gain relevant professional experience within the music and entertainment industry.
