World Music Studies - Distance Learning MA - Introduction
World Music Studies is intended for musicians and educators who would like to know more about the music of the world and the academic discipline that studies it, ethnomusicology. This two-year, part-time course provides training in the research methods used by ethnomusicologists, and experience in using these methods to gain new musical insights and skills. The MA intakes new students in even-numbered years, our next intake being in 2012. It is taught using specially written materials, with tutorial contact via e-mail, telephone and post. In addition, students attend short residential courses in Sheffield, where they participate in lectures, practical workshops, discussion groups and individual tutorials.
"World music studies" can be taken quite literally, for it encompasses, in principle, the study of any and all musical activity in the world, Western as well as "exotic", popular as well as classical, amateur as well as professional. This study is pursued through the methods of ethnomusicology, including fieldwork and direct participation in the music studied as well as library research and theoretical interpretation. The distance learning MA course at Sheffield makes it possible for students anywhere in the world to gain a thorough and distinctive training in world music and ethnomusicology. The degree is open to applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including mature students and those with appropriate musical experience whether or not they have a first degree in Music. Graduates will be widely employable in educational and research-related fields and in the media, as well as qualified and prepared for taking a research degree in ethnomusicology or a related subject.
"Since completing my MA in World Music Studies, I have had the opportunity to make great strides professionally. I have presented my dissertation topic "World Music in the International School Setting" at four conferences in Athens, Madrid, Lisbon and Florence, and assisted other international school teachers in setting up alternative percussion ensembles in their schools. The course helped me define a new direction in my teaching career and I am so thankful for that opportunity."
Joy Edenfield
Director of Secondary Music, Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
MA 2006
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