M.S. in Accounting and Analytics
The Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics at Stony Brook University offers a co...
M.A. in Music (Critical Music Studies)
Stony Brook, New York
INTAKE: Winter
Program Overview
The M.A. in Music with a concentration in Critical Music Studies at Stony Brook University is designed to offer students an in-depth understanding of the cultural, social, and historical contexts of music. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, examining music through a variety of lenses, including music theory, ethnomusicology, history, and cultural studies. The program prepares students for careers in academia, music research, and cultural analysis, with a focus on developing scholarly expertise in both Western and non-Western musical traditions. Graduates of the program are equipped to contribute to the academic and professional discourse on music and culture in diverse settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Music (Critical Music Studies) at Stony Brook University combines rigorous coursework with research opportunities, allowing students to explore both theoretical and practical aspects of music. Core courses cover topics such as music history, ethnomusicology, cultural theory, and the socio-political impact of music across different cultures. Students can tailor their studies with electives that align with their specific interests, such as music and identity, the role of music in society, and the relationship between music and politics. The program also includes seminars and workshops where students can present their research and engage with faculty and peers on contemporary issues in music scholarship.
Research Focus: The research focus of the M.A. in Music (Critical Music Studies) program is centered on a critical approach to understanding music’s role in culture and society. Students are encouraged to explore music not just as an art form, but also as a social and political force. Areas of research include the study of music in global contexts, the intersection of music and identity, music and gender, and the impact of music on social movements. Faculty members, who are experts in fields such as musicology, ethnomusicology, and cultural studies, guide students through independent research projects that challenge traditional approaches to the study of music. The program fosters a research community where students critically engage with global and contemporary issues in music scholarship.
Industry Engagement: Stony Brook University’s M.A. in Music (Critical Music Studies) program actively engages students with the music industry and professional music communities. Through collaborations with arts organizations, local music institutions, and cultural centers, students gain valuable experience in applied music research and cultural analysis. Opportunities for internships, community engagement, and partnerships with music festivals and symphonies offer students real-world exposure to the music world. The program also encourages networking through lectures, performances, and events with renowned musicians, scholars, and industry professionals. These experiences enable students to make connections that are vital for their careers in music scholarship and beyond.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Music (Critical Music Studies) at Stony Brook University incorporates a global perspective by embracing the diversity of musical traditions from around the world. The program allows students to explore music not only from a Western classical standpoint but also through the lens of global music practices, including African, Latin American, Asian, and Indigenous music traditions. Faculty members, many of whom have international experience, help students broaden their understanding of the world’s music cultures. This global approach to music studies prepares graduates to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse field of music scholarship, addressing issues such as globalization, cultural exchange, and the politics of music across borders.
Location
Stony Brook, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 33914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
Stony Brook University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students, helping them manage the costs of their education. While U.S. federal financial aid is not available to international students, there are merit-based scholarships and other financial resources that can help reduce tuition fees and living expenses.
Graduate Scholarships: Graduate international students may also be eligible for various scholarships and assistantships within their academic departments. These awards are often based on academic performance, research interests, or teaching potential. Some graduate programs may offer full or partial tuition waivers, along with stipends for research or teaching assistant positions. International graduate students should check with their specific department or program for details on available scholarships and assistantships.
External Scholarships: In addition to the scholarships offered by Stony Brook University, international students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities. Many organizations, government agencies, and private foundations offer scholarships and grants to international students who wish to study in the United States. Students can research scholarship opportunities through their home country’s government, non-profit organizations, and international scholarship programs. Some popular external scholarships include the Fulbright Program and the United Nations Scholarships.
Scholarships for Specific Countries or Regions: Stony Brook University also participates in various international partnerships and programs that offer scholarships to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships may be designed to foster collaboration between Stony Brook and institutions abroad, with an emphasis on enhancing global relations.
Graduates of the M.A. in Music (Critical Music Studies) from Stony Brook University are well-equipped for a variety of career opportunities in academia, research, and the broader music industry. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, cultural analysis, and music scholarship opens doors in both traditional and non-traditional fields.
Academia and Teaching: Many graduates pursue careers in higher education, becoming professors or instructors in music departments, cultural studies programs, or interdisciplinary studies at colleges and universities.
Music Researcher/Scholar: Graduates can work as researchers in academic institutions, think tanks, and cultural organizations, contributing to scholarly publications, conferences, and musicological studies that address global music traditions and contemporary issues in music.
Music Critic/Journalist: The critical perspective gained in the program prepares graduates for careers as music critics or journalists, writing for publications, websites, or magazines that focus on music, culture, and the arts.
Cultural Institutions and Museums: Many graduates work in cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, and archives, where they curate exhibits, manage collections, or contribute to educational programming related to music history and culture.
Arts Administration and Management: Graduates with an interest in the administrative side of the arts may find careers in arts organizations, music festivals, symphonies, and nonprofit arts foundations, managing projects, events, and cultural programming.
Music Policy and Advocacy: Graduates can enter the field of music policy, working for government agencies, advocacy groups, or NGOs that focus on music education, cultural preservation, and arts funding.
Media and Broadcasting: With expertise in critical music studies, graduates may work in radio, television, or digital media, creating content, documentaries, or podcasts that explore music and its cultural significance.
Consulting and Cultural Criticism: Some graduates pursue careers as consultants for film, television, and advertising companies, offering expertise on the use of music in media. They may also engage in cultural criticism, analyzing how music interacts with and influences social movements and identities.
