The Ethnomusicology PhDÂ investigates music in cultural and social contexts. In preparing students for careers in studying global music communities, our program assists students in understanding music as social practice from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Students are introduced to the intellectual history of the field and its paradigmatic shifts, and research methodology in preparation for ethnographic fieldwork. Our ethnomusicology program seeks to prepare students for careers in the academy, public sector, the music industry, and/or cultural heritage policy-making. We also offer seminars in select global music cultures as well as topics, which examine music as related to gender, politics, religion, economics, philosophy, aesthetics, and musical practice.
Ethnomusicology
Graduate Student Resources
Graduate Guidebook
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Ethnomusicology Graduate Guidebook is a comprehensive resource designed to support current and prospective graduate students in navigating their academic journey. It provides clear information about program requirements, coursework, milestones, policies, and procedures specific to the ethnomusicology graduate programs. Serving as both a reference and planning tool, the guidebook ensures that students have access to up-to-date details approved by faculty and the graduate committee, helping them successfully progress through their degree.
Ethnomusicology Graduate Guidebook
Petitions and Forms for Ethnomusicology
DGE Nomination Doctoral Committee Form
Use this form to nominate your doctoral committee. After signatures are received, the SAO will submit it to the Division of Graduate Education. Processing can take up to two weeks.
Graduate Departmental Course Substitution Petition
Use this petition to substitute UCLA courses for degree requirements. For outside transfer credit, submit Graduate Division’s Graduate Degree Petition.
Graduate Independent Study Syllabus
As part of the enrollment process for ETHNMUSC 596, 597, 598 or 599, please complete a syllabus and share with the instructor of record.
Report on Doctoral Examination
Completed your Written Qualifying Exam? Submit this form to your Written Qualifying Exam committee for their official record of your exam grades.
Doctoral Committee Request Dissertation Topic Approval
This form requests department approval of a student’s doctoral committee and dissertation topic, submitted alongside the DGE Nomination of Doctoral Committee Form.
Foreign Language Petition
*Not a DocuSign form* Once you have completed your language requirement, please complete this form, sign, and submit to your SAO.