Music History, one of the most significant aspects of musicology is a field that studies the historical development of musical art and its culture. Incorporating elements of philosophy, Music History is strongly related to the history of other arts, the general history and culture, as well as to the entire history of the evolution of human society. This field of study focuses on music, the connections between musical and historical facts, and the evolution of music's place in society.

The Music History curriculum offers classes in music theory, the development of musical styles, opera history, jazz history, media and consumer culture, music and gender, and popular music from throughout the world.

Students who study Music History will develop special skills, such as the ability to discern musical aspects and fundamental characteristics of songs, recognise music from different countries, as well as recognise instruments from various cultures and civilisations. By applying their newly gained information, historians in music produce creative compositions and biographies of composers. They are also able to make analyses of contrasting music and other cultural objects, and put out thoughts on the relationship between music and society.

Study levels:

Courses in Music History is offered by colleges and universities in India and abroad at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level via degrees, certificates and diplomas. These include:

• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Arts in Music History
• Bachelor of Arts in Music History and Literature
• Bachelor of Arts in Music History and Cultures
• Bachelor of Arts in Music
• Master of Arts in Classical Music
• Master's Degree in Musical Interpretation and Research
• Master's Degree in Musical Research
• Master of Arts in Music: Musicology Pathway
• Master of Arts in Musicology
• Master of Arts in Music History
• Master of Arts in Music History and Literature
• Master of Arts in Music History and Cultures
• Doctor of Philosophy in Music History

Specialisations:

Specialisations in Music History offer instruction in various music genres, insight into the societies where they are common and a look at the importance of music in our culture. Students will be given more opportunities to focus on their interests, choosing one or more topics to focus on and the possible specializations will vary depending on the institution. These include:

• Acoustics
• Art Administration
• Commercial Music
• Communications (Radio Or TV)
• Conducting
• Early Music
• Electro-Acoustic Studies
• Ethnomusicology
• Film Scoring
• Folk Music
• Instrumental Music
• Jazz Studies
• Music Business/Industry
• Music Composition
• Music Education
• Music History
• Music Performance
• Music Production/Recording
• Music Techniques
• Music Technology
• Music Theory
• Music Therapy
• Musical Theatre
• Musicology
• Opera
• Songwriting
• Sound Engineering
• Vocal Music
• Worship Arts

Employability:

For those who enjoy both music and history, considering to pursue a degree that combines these two passions is the way to go. A degree in Music History can help graduates prepare for a range of jobs in various industries. While varied, these careers require strong analytic skills and a broad understanding of musical genres and their historical contexts. 

Job titles include:

• Archivist
• Composer
• Curator
• Director of Public Relations
• Education Specialist
• Historian
• Librarian
• Music Executive
• Music Teacher
• Musician
• Professor
• Recreational Therapist
• Theatre Manager

• Transcriptionist

• Writer

Additional jobs include:

• Ethnomusicologist
• Music arranger
• Music conductor
• Music producer
• Music supervisor
• Performing arts centre manager
• Sound designer
• Special effects technician