Emory University

What you'll study

The curriculum is designed to be multidisciplinary and may be tailored to individual interests. Typical areas of study include:

• Music theory and analysis: advanced harmony, counterpoint, form and analytical methods for historical and contemporary repertories.
• Composition and arranging: techniques in small- and large-format composition, orchestration and digital composition tools.
• Music history and historiography: study of Western art music, popular music histories and methodologies for researching musical pasts.
• Ethnomusicology and cultural studies: fieldwork methods, ethnographic approaches to music, and study of music in global contexts.
• Performance and ensembles: private applied lessons, studio classes and participation in chamber ensembles, large ensembles, choirs or contemporary music groups.
• Music technology and production: recording techniques, sound design, and use of music software for composition and scholarship.
• Pedagogy and music education: approaches to teaching, curriculum design for schools and community programmes, and supervised teaching experience.

Students typically combine core courses, electives within the department, and a capstone option such as a thesis, recital, or research project. Interdisciplinary electives across the university are encouraged to support specialised tracks.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in music or a closely related discipline, though candidates with substantial relevant experience from other backgrounds may also be considered. Typical application materials include:

• A statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals.
• Academic transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• An audition or portfolio demonstrating performance, composition or research ability, depending on the applicant’s focus.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where required by university regulations.

The department evaluates applications holistically; specific course prerequisites or audition repertoire requirements are provided by the department and may vary by proposed focus.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme move into a range of careers across the music and cultural sectors. Common pathways include:

• Performing artist: careers as soloists, chamber musicians, orchestral players, or members of new-music and commercial ensembles.
• Composer/arranger and music producer: work in composition for concert, media or theatre, and roles in recording and music production.
• Music educator: teaching in schools, colleges, private studios or community music organisations.
• Scholarly and research roles: continuing to doctoral study in musicology, ethnomusicology or theory, or positions in research institutions.
• Arts administration and programming: roles in festivals, venues, cultural organisations and nonprofit management.
• Music technology and media: careers in sound design, audio engineering, and interactive media.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers an intimate departmental environment within a major research university, combining close mentorship with access to extensive library, archival and multimedia resources. Located near a dynamic metropolitan arts scene, students find abundant performance, internship and collaboration opportunities across professional ensembles, recording facilities and community organisations. The department’s interdisciplinary orientation encourages collaboration with other fields such as theatre, anthropology and digital humanities, allowing students to shape a programme that aligns with their artistic and scholarly ambitions.