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
In Part 2 of our interview, Dean Michael Beckerman shares valuable insights on navigating careers, seeking guidance, and the power of kindness and gratitude in shaping a meaningful life. 🎙️✨
#CareerAdvice #Leadership #Kindness #Gratitude #LifeLessons
In Part 2 of our interview, Dean Michael Beckerman shares valuable insights on navigating careers, seeking guidance, and the power of kindness and gratitude in shaping a meaningful life. 🎙️✨
#CareerAdvice #Leadership #Kindness #Gratitude #LifeLessons
Bold new music from the UCLA theory faculty kicks off our 2026-27 Faculty Artist Series, from soulful violin to electronic samples, from classical quintet to improvised duos.
THEORETICALS RETURN!
FREE with RSVP. Reserve your spot today! [link in bio]
📅 Wednesday, October 28
🕓 8 PM Concert
📍 Schoenberg Hall, UCLA
#thisisuclamusic #newmusic #composers
REEL Music credit: Dante DeSilva
Bold new music from the UCLA theory faculty kicks off our 2026-27 Faculty Artist Series, from soulful violin to electronic samples, from classical quintet to improvised duos.
THEORETICALS RETURN!
FREE with RSVP. Reserve your spot today! [link in bio]
📅 Wednesday, October 28
🕓 8 PM Concert
📍 Schoenberg Hall, UCLA
#thisisuclamusic #newmusic #composers
REEL Music credit: Dante DeSilva
What if studying music isn’t the best way to appreciate it?
Dean Beckerman’s love affair with music began when his parents discovered that parking him in front of the stereo was the easiest way to keep him quiet.
That childhood fascination became a lifelong passion. But Dean raises a provocative question: Do we really need to study music to appreciate it—or is listening enough?
His answer might surprise you.
to see the whole interview, visit our YouTube channel. Link in bio.
#thisisuclamusic #ucla #music #beethoven250
What if studying music isn’t the best way to appreciate it?
Dean Beckerman’s love affair with music began when his parents discovered that parking him in front of the stereo was the easiest way to keep him quiet.
That childhood fascination became a lifelong passion. But Dean raises a provocative question: Do we really need to study music to appreciate it—or is listening enough?
His answer might surprise you.
to see the whole interview, visit our YouTube channel. Link in bio.
#thisisuclamusic #ucla #music #beethoven250
Alum Matt Hansen and his parents, Erin and Brian Hansen, have just created the Hansen Family Endowment for scholarships to support students studying ethnomusicology or the global music industry at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
We sat down with Matt Hansen to talk about his music, his education and why he`s taking the time so early in his career to start giving back. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW, link in bio. UCLAalpert
Alum Matt Hansen and his parents, Erin and Brian Hansen, have just created the Hansen Family Endowment for scholarships to support students studying ethnomusicology or the global music industry at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
We sat down with Matt Hansen to talk about his music, his education and why he`s taking the time so early in his career to start giving back. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW, link in bio. UCLAalpert
Peanut Butter Wolf—DJ, producer and Founder of Stone’s Throw Records—kicked off THE BERRY GORDY SPEAKER SERIES in Lani Hall this Fall. He sat down with Dr. Tiffany Naiman to discuss the longevity of Stones Throw in the context of taste, finding your own point of view, and the desire to follow creative instincts rather than trends. The conversation opened up to students, who had the opportunity to join in.
THE BERRY GORDY SPEAKER SERIES is hosted by the Berry Gordy Music Industry Center at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. The series brings the people shaping the industry—from creatives to executives—directly to UCLA students. Conversations highlight the human side of the industry, from personal growth and wellness to social impact and responsible leadership.
Peanut Butter Wolf—DJ, producer and Founder of Stone’s Throw Records—kicked off THE BERRY GORDY SPEAKER SERIES in Lani Hall this Fall. He sat down with Dr. Tiffany Naiman to discuss the longevity of Stones Throw in the context of taste, finding your own point of view, and the desire to follow creative instincts rather than trends. The conversation opened up to students, who had the opportunity to join in.
THE BERRY GORDY SPEAKER SERIES is hosted by the Berry Gordy Music Industry Center at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. The series brings the people shaping the industry—from creatives to executives—directly to UCLA students. Conversations highlight the human side of the industry, from personal growth and wellness to social impact and responsible leadership.
Getting ready for Coltrane 100 at UCLA. SCENES from rehearsal. Remember, symposium and music Friday, starting at 2 pm in Lani Hall. The concert: Saturday, 8 pm, Schoenberg Hall.
Getting ready for Coltrane 100 at UCLA. SCENES from rehearsal. Remember, symposium and music Friday, starting at 2 pm in Lani Hall. The concert: Saturday, 8 pm, Schoenberg Hall.
Madame Gandhi is the first recipient of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s Dean’s Medal of Distinction. A musician, activist and feminist thinker, she has recorded five studio albums and holds degrees from Stanford, Harvard and Georgetown. Her career has been defined by curiosity, creativity and a commitment to making the world more connected and compassionate. Her music has reached Spotify’s Viral Top 50 and has been featured by Netflix, FIFA and others.
Madame Gandhi was the first commencement speaker of Dean Michael Beckerman’s tenure, and she recently sat down with him to record an episode of his upcoming podcast, UCLA Music Now. Stay tuned for that conversation.
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Michael Beckerman established the Dean`s Medal of Distinction in 2026 to celebrate faculty and guests who have achieved distinction in their fields. The award is commemorated by a special medal and honors individuals whose talents, dedication, leadership and curiosity and creative achievements have made a lasting impact on our community.
Madame Gandhi is the first recipient of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s Dean’s Medal of Distinction. A musician, activist and feminist thinker, she has recorded five studio albums and holds degrees from Stanford, Harvard and Georgetown. Her career has been defined by curiosity, creativity and a commitment to making the world more connected and compassionate. Her music has reached Spotify’s Viral Top 50 and has been featured by Netflix, FIFA and others.
Madame Gandhi was the first commencement speaker of Dean Michael Beckerman’s tenure, and she recently sat down with him to record an episode of his upcoming podcast, UCLA Music Now. Stay tuned for that conversation.
-
Michael Beckerman established the Dean`s Medal of Distinction in 2026 to celebrate faculty and guests who have achieved distinction in their fields. The award is commemorated by a special medal and honors individuals whose talents, dedication, leadership and curiosity and creative achievements have made a lasting impact on our community.
The best part of the fortepiano recital? The Beethoven. And then the after party.
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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