Master of Music in Music History

Delve deep into the rich, evolutionary history of music, and expand your knowledge of historical composers, eras and literature with a Master of Music in Music History in Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Form the foundation you need to pursue a doctoral degree in musicology and professional careers in the evolving music industry.

The Music History MM curriculum emphasizes research procedures essential to the musical history profession. You’ll study a broad range of analytical and compositional techniques, as well as musical practice and theory. Focus your studies on traditional western music history topics spanning antiquity through modern day, and explore an array of genres from classical to hip-hop and Renaissance to Romantic-era music. You can also conduct independent studies alongside Boyer’s experienced, passionate faculty.

In Music History courses, you’ll investigate

  • analysis of opera,
  • classical music,
  • Mozart's Piano Concerti and
  • Stravinsky's Russian Period.

The degree requirements are completed on Temple’s Main Campus over the course of six years, on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Graduate students can teach music labs and private lessons, participate in ensembles, and perform at university events.

Classes & Curriculum

In addition to three required courses and a final research project, the 32-credit program allows students to choose four elective courses from the music education, music studies and other graduate departments. Course options include

  • Current Topics in Musicology and Theory,
  • Composing Music for Films,
  • Computer Music Studio,
  • Music in the Classical Period,
  • Music Technology, and
  • Seminar in Jazz Arranging.

Learn more about the required courses for the Music History MM.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Music students looking at sheet music both on paper and on a computer while a professor lectures at the front of the classroom.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Music offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,187.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,583.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

BC-MHIS-MMUS

Additional Program Information