The MA/PhD in Ethnomusicology 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
Master of Arts / PhD
Global Music
Cultures
BACKSTAGE PASS with Thomas Hodgson, professor of musicology at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, who takes us backstage at the Royal Albert Hall in London with @stornowayband (Professor Hodgson on trumpet). Swipe to see a video of his POV on stage!
BACKSTAGE PASS with Thomas Hodgson, professor of musicology at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, who takes us backstage at the Royal Albert Hall in London with @stornowayband (Professor Hodgson on trumpet). Swipe to see a video of his POV on stage!
What does scholarship support look like at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music?
It was great seeing so many new faces at our First Year Open House! We hope you got to connect with our awesome faculty, staff, and students.
More questions? Feel free to reach out to your professors or visit our website, link in bio.
Ready to take the next step? Remember to submit your statement of intent to register by May 1. Go Bruins!
It was great seeing so many new faces at our First Year Open House! We hope you got to connect with our awesome faculty, staff, and students.
More questions? Feel free to reach out to your professors or visit our website, link in bio.
Ready to take the next step? Remember to submit your statement of intent to register by May 1. Go Bruins!
Need a break from practicing? Engage in retail therapy!
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music hoodies now available in-store and online. Grab one at the LuValle Commons store (north campus, close to the law school) or online, link in bio!
Need a break from practicing? Engage in retail therapy!
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music hoodies now available in-store and online. Grab one at the LuValle Commons store (north campus, close to the law school) or online, link in bio!
Bruin Giving Day Returns on April 28-29, 2026!
Mark your calendars and get ready to Seize theDay. This is the perfect moment to make your voice heard.
Whether you support student scholarships, diverse ensembles, or incredible research, your voice will help others sing. Bruin Giving Day is your moment to make a difference.
Go Bruins!
Bruin Giving Day Returns on April 28-29, 2026!
Mark your calendars and get ready to Seize theDay. This is the perfect moment to make your voice heard.
Whether you support student scholarships, diverse ensembles, or incredible research, your voice will help others sing. Bruin Giving Day is your moment to make a difference.
Go Bruins!
Did you know that Tainted Love was originally released in 1964 before its rise to fame in 1981? Professor Bob Fink is here to tell you all about it.
Did you know that Tainted Love was originally released in 1964 before its rise to fame in 1981? Professor Bob Fink is here to tell you all about it.
Some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from IN THE HYPHEN`s latest video, “Welcome to Mariachi University, USA”.
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What role do American universities play in nurturing mariachi talent in the U.S.? What is a mariachi course like, and why are we seeing more university mariachi ensembles? This video takes viewers inside some of the United States` most storied mariachi programs to find out what students they`re attracting and what alumni of these programs are doing after graduating.
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In The Hyphen is a YouTube channel covering U.S. Latino culture. Led by award-winning journalist Fernando Hurtado, each documentary video explores what it means to be a hyphenated American.
Link in bio to watch the full video!
Some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from IN THE HYPHEN`s latest video, “Welcome to Mariachi University, USA”.
-
What role do American universities play in nurturing mariachi talent in the U.S.? What is a mariachi course like, and why are we seeing more university mariachi ensembles? This video takes viewers inside some of the United States` most storied mariachi programs to find out what students they`re attracting and what alumni of these programs are doing after graduating.
-
In The Hyphen is a YouTube channel covering U.S. Latino culture. Led by award-winning journalist Fernando Hurtado, each documentary video explores what it means to be a hyphenated American.
Link in bio to watch the full video!
NEWLY ADMITTED MASTER’S, DMA, AND PHD STUDENTS!
Congratulations on your admission to The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. Your applications have impressed us, and we hope you join us in your academic endeavors.
This is your friendly reminder to submit your statement of intent to register by April 15th as it is rapidly approaching!
NEWLY ADMITTED MASTER’S, DMA, AND PHD STUDENTS!
Congratulations on your admission to The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. Your applications have impressed us, and we hope you join us in your academic endeavors.
This is your friendly reminder to submit your statement of intent to register by April 15th as it is rapidly approaching!
David Castañeda
“I enjoyed the connections that I made with my colleagues who have now become family, seeing my approach as a researcher develop substantially in such a short amount of time, and most of all the opportunity to grow as an instructor and educator.” – David Castañeda Ph.D. ’21 | Ethnomusicology
A stream of high-profile artists and scholars from around the world have energized and inspired our students, helping to transform their educational experience. Among them are J.H. Kwabena Nketia, considered Africa’s premier musicologist/ethnomusicologist; Akin Euba, a Nigerian composer, musicologist, and pianist; MacArthur Fellow Steven Feld, an American ethnomusicologist, anthropologist, and linguist, who worked for many years with the Kaluli people of Papua New Guinea; Judith Becker, professor emerita of ethnomusicology, University of Michigan; Mark Slobin, the author or editor of books on Afghanistan and Central Asia, eastern European Jewish music, film music, and ethnomusicology theory; Chano Dominguez, award-winning Spanish-born pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator, and Hossein Omoumi, a scholar and teacher of Persian traditional music, among others.
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