BA - The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Ethnomusicology explores the rich variety of musical expressions throughout the world by combining hands-on musical experiences with academic study. Students have the opportunity to take courses that cover the music of virtually every region of the world and of many ethnic groups in the U.S., as well as courses on popular music and film music. The courses combine an interest in music as an art form with questions about how musical art and practice relate to other aspects of culture, society, politics, and economics. Additionally, students take advantage of the department’s one-of-a-kind world musical instrument collection and expert performance faculty to study the performance of musical traditions from around the globe.

Oct 16 Fri
5:00pm
Free
lectures-symposia, world-music
Sound Communities: How Ethnomusicology Can Make the World a Better Place
Huib Schippers argues that the history of ethnomusicology shows an organic development towards public-facing work, and discusses the skill sets needed in the field to improve lives through music. Abstract:
Ethnomusicology Archive Learn More
Oct 24 Sat
9:00am
Free
lectures-symposia, world-music
Music Alive in the Archive: Legacy and Promise -- 65 Years of the UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive
Join us for a two-day celebration of the 65th anniversary of the UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive. The event will feature a symposium, workshops, and concerts. International, national, and local archivists, alumni, faculty, and
Lani Hall Learn More
Oct 24 Sat
3:45pm
Free
world-music
LA’s 33 Strings (三十三絃の会) Workshop
LA’s 33 Strings (三十三絃の会), a distinguished Japanese music ensemble based in Southern California and dedicated to the preservation and evolution of Japan’s musical heritage, hosts a workshop on Japanese music.
Ensemble Room: Ostin Music Center Learn More

Explore Other Degrees

Conducting
Graduate study and training in choral, orchestral, or wind conducting
Ethnomusicology
The study of global musical traditions through performance training, research, and field work
Global Jazz Studies
Jazz performance and musicianship courses are paired with African American Studies
Music Composition
Mentorship in the creation and realization of music for concerts, opera, and visual media
Music Education
Preparation for music educators leading to a BA and teaching credential in just four years
Music Industry
A leadership-focused professional degree which prepares students to transform the creative, entrepreneurial, and executive structures of the music industry
Musicology
The scholarly study of the histories, cultures, and critical interpretations of music and music-making
Music Performance
Study and training towards professional performance careers in Western classical music