Francesca Brittan
Associate Professor
Head of Musicology
Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Musicology
Daniel Goldmark
Professor
Director of Center for Popular Music Studies
Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Initiatives and International Affairs
The Musicology program at Case Western Reserve University provides rigorous academic study and advanced training, preparing professionals for leadership roles in music research and scholarship. Each student collaborates with a faculty advisor to create a customized program of study tailored to their specific research interests and professional goals.
We offer a PhD in Musicology, along with a diverse array of musicology courses that are integral to the undergraduate and graduate curricula at both CWRU and the Cleveland Institute of Music, our partner institution within the Joint Music Program.
Prospective students who wish to pursue graduate study in Music History, should apply directly to the PhD in Musicology.
Graduate Student Awards and Achievements
CWRU graduate students have distinguished themselves by winning major national and international awards in musicology and the humanities, along with top university-wide honors.
Discover the exciting careers and contributions of our musicology alumni, showcasing the diverse and successful paths our graduates have taken in academia, research, and beyond.
Areas of Specialty
Our program offers comprehensive coverage of music from the Middle Ages to the present, with particular expertise in:
- Medieval and Renaissance Music
- Music and Gender
- French Music (1550-1900)
- American Popular Music
- Sound Cultures (1800-present)
- Opera and Social Issues
These areas of specialty are explored within a broad interdisciplinary context, allowing students to engage with music history and theory from multiple perspectives. Courses in medieval, Renaissance, and 17th- to 19th-century music are closely integrated with the CWRU program in Historical Performance Practice, providing students with the unique opportunity to enrich their academic studies through hands-on experience with living historical repertoires. The Center for Popular Music Studies also offers opportunities for students to attend and participate in conferences, lectures, and archival research, in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum.
Graduate Fellowships and Teaching Opportunities
Our graduate students receive substantial support through fellowships that include a generous stipend and tuition waiver. Graduate assistantships provide diverse opportunities, including:
- Teaching Assistantships
- Research Assistantships
- Work in Departmental Publicity and Marketing
- Internships with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, including its Library and Archives
- Graduate Humanities Programming and Funding
Advanced students have the opportunity to serve as independent Instructors of Record for undergraduate courses, gaining valuable teaching experience. Additionally, the Department of Music and the Center for Popular Music Studies sponsor an annual summer research fellowship program at the Library of Congress, offering a unique opportunity for in-depth study and research.
Music Colloquium Series
Our weekly Friday afternoon colloquia present current research by distinguished visiting scholars, as well as by our own faculty and graduate students in musicology, historical performance practice, and music education. These sessions are followed by receptions, providing a platform for social interaction and fostering a strong sense of community, camaraderie, and mutual support within the department.
Music Colloquium Series Schedule
Ensembles and Performance Opportunities
Musicology students pursuing academic coursework may participate in our various music ensembles. View the Participation Information page to learn more about ensemble offerings, audition details, registration requirements, and helpful resources for students participating in musical activities.
