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Music History MM

Master of Music in Music History

Delve deep into the rich, evolutionary history of music, and expand your knowledge of historical composers, eras and literature with a Master of Music in Music History in Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Form the foundation you need to pursue a doctoral degree in musicology and professional careers in the evolving music industry.

The Music History MM curriculum emphasizes research procedures essential to the musical history profession. You’ll study a broad range of analytical and compositional techniques, as well as musical practice and theory. Focus your studies on traditional western music history topics spanning antiquity through modern day, and explore an array of genres from classical to hip-hop and Renaissance to Romantic-era music. You can also conduct independent studies alongside Boyer’s experienced, passionate faculty.

In Music History courses, you’ll investigate

  • analysis of opera,
  • classical music,
  • Mozart's Piano Concerti and
  • Stravinsky's Russian Period.

The degree requirements are completed on Temple’s Main Campus over the course of six years, on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Graduate students can teach music labs and private lessons, participate in ensembles, and perform at university events.

    Classes & Curriculum

    In addition to three required courses and a final research project, the 32-credit program allows students to choose four elective courses from the music education, music studies and other graduate departments. Course options include

    • Current Topics in Musicology and Theory,
    • Composing Music for Films,
    • Computer Music Studio,
    • Music in the Classical Period,
    • Music Technology, and
    • Seminar in Jazz Arranging.

    Learn more about the required courses for the Music History MM.

    Related Graduate Degrees

    Related Graduate Certificates

    Music students looking at sheet music both on paper and on a computer while a professor lectures at the front of the classroom.

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Music offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $1,282.00 per credit
    Out-of-state: $1,711.00 per credit

    You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

    Our Advisors

    Faculty advisors can help you navigate your program and discuss research opportunities, teaching assistantships and more. Learn more about Boyer College of Music and Dance faculty

    Program Contact

    Edward Latham, associate professor of music theory and chair of the Department of Music Studies, is the program contact for the Music History MM. 
    Phone: 215-204-8498
    Email

    Student Clubs & Organizations

    Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. There are more than 200 student organizations at Temple University.

    • ConTemplum hosts numerous concerts, forums and seminars to foster a community of musicians who are dedicated to exploring contemporary musical ideas and performing new compositions.
    • Temple University Theory and Musicology Society (THEMUS) gives students an open forum to discuss and develop scholarly work within the disciplines of music theory and musicology. Each semester, THEMUS hosts guest, faculty and student lectures. THEMUS organizes a regional graduate student conference each year for theory and musicology.

    Learn more about clubs and organizations.

    Additional Program Information