Musicology | Department of Music

Music is a central component of human culture. Any systematic study of music—historical, theoretical, esthetical, physiological, psychological, technological, sociological, or anthropological—is part of the science of music known as musicology. Musicology is part of the Humanities and its practitioners are known as musicologists. A musicologist must of course love music; but this is not enough. A musicologist must have a good ear, have a broad background in areas such as music theory, history, and music literature, an acquaintance with world music, and even an ability to perform music (singing or playing).

The training of a musicologist is different from that of a musician. Musicological studies are primarily theoretical, that is, “academic.” Nonetheless, the curriculum of the Department of Music at Bar-Ilan combines the academic with the practical. The department even offers a track in composition.

The variety and breadth of knowledge obtained though musicological study prepares the student towards an academic career in music research, an educational career at every possible level (kindergarten to university), or a career in the printed or electronic media as editor of music programs, music in film and theatre, or as a music critic. In addition, musicological training offers the student a leading edge as a candidate for such administrative positions as orchestra management, the management of programs in music education in various institutions, music festivals, recording studios, and the production of musical events.

Combining musicology with another field of study in the university may enhance the student’s chances of finding employment in his or her area of study. Such fields might include education, education management, communication and journalism studies, business management, literature, and the arts. Additional areas of special interest are psychology (see ahead concerning diploma studies in music therapy) and computers.

The Music Department of Bar-Ilan University was founded in 1970, and is today the largest of its kind in Israel. The Department, which started with ca. thirty students and five faculty members, developed and enlarged to about 200 students (including ca. 50 graduate students) and a teaching staff of over 30 members. The Department, part of the Faculty of the Humanities, offers studies towards a B.A, M.A, and Ph.D degree in music history, ethnomusicology (with emphasis on traditional music of the Jewish people, Israeli music, and music of the Near East), music education, sociology of music, music technologies, music iconography and music theory. There is also a track towards a music-education Diploma, and M.A. and Ph.D in composition and music therapy, the latter two not offered anywhere else in Israel. The Department also offers a variety of courses in computer applications in composition, education, and research.

The Music Department of Bar-Ilan University was founded in 1970, and is part of the Faculty of the Humanities. The Departments offers B.A, M.A, and Ph.D degrees in music, a Diploma in music education, and an M.A. in music therapy.

The main academic disciplines in the Department are: the history of Western music, music theory, and ethnomusicology (the study of non-Western music and Western oral traditions). Special emphasis is placed on aspects of music unique to the society and culture of the State of Israel. In addition, the curriculum includes courses that combine computers and advanced technologies in the study and creation of music.

Special additional areas of study are composition (thesis track only), computers, and music education.

Prerequisites

B.A. in music as a major with an average grade of 80% at least.
Applicants with a B.A. from another academic institution (in Israel or abroad) may be required to take remedial courses as per the Department’s Graduate Committee.

First Steps Towards Graduate (M.A.) Studies in Music at Bar-Ilan.

The admission requirements for M.A. at the University in general and the Music Department in particular are published annually in the University’s catalogue, which may be purchased at the University bookstore. It may also be viewed at the University library or online at the University’s website.

There are two stages in the admission process to the Department prior to the beginning of classes:

1. An interview with the Department’s Graduate Committee.

After registration the applicant is invited to an interview with the Graduate Committee, composed of members of the Department’s senior faculty. The purpose of this meeting is to get a closer acquaintance with the applicant, including his or her areas of interest. A general outline of a program of studies (including remedial courses, if needed), is offered.