Both the thesis-based and course-based MA programs strive to produce outstanding scholars and teachers who deal both critically and respectfully with a variety of musical traditions while engaging in scholarly conversation beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students encounter a broad spectrum of approaches to music. Members of the faculty have published on topics ranging from medieval Islamic musical iconography to the history of the concerto; from studies of oral transmission of music among Canadian ethnic groups to explorations of the class and gender issues that shaped the reception of music in eighteenth and nineteenth century Germany. Variety permits a wide range of thesis and dissertation topics, from style-historical, analytical or local history studies to investigations of the social construction of music and musical activity.
In music theory courses, students participate in focused investigations of music in the classical, popular and other traditions. The theory faculty also presents topical seminars which may range from African-American musics to post-structuralist approaches, to Schenkerian Analysis. The theory faculty encourages students to develop a well informed, critical approach to musical theory and its practices. The Department’s offerings in ethnomusicology address the issues of music as performance, music and power, and the meaning of music and musical activity. Study cross-cultural and socially grounded musical processes through courses in the theory and methodology of the field, area studies and work in anthropology. Regional strengths include South Asia, Islamic areas, and Native and ethnic Canada.