Music History

Musicology is the study of music as a living, breathing part of human culture. It goes beyond names and dates to investigate the "why" behind the sound—exploring how social, political, and artistic forces shape the way we create and consume music. As a discipline, it develops critical listening, cultural literacy, and the ability to synthesize complex historical data into persuasive narrative.

Music History at Lehigh: Scholarly Discovery

At Lehigh, music history is more than an academic requirement; it is a gateway to understanding human expression. Our curriculum is designed to be fluid and interdisciplinary, inviting students to step behind the score and explore the world through sound. We believe that deep, critical engagement with music makes us better thinkers, better listeners, and more informed global citizens.

Our program serves the entire university community. While we provide a rigorous historical foundation for music majors, we also offer popular "entry point" courses for students with no prior musical background. Whether you are exploring the evolution of the blues, the uncanny world of Dark Romanticism, or the intersection of music and gender, you are participating in a vibrant, ever-changing academic tradition.

Key Pillars of Study

Cultural Literacy & Global Perspectives

Musicology at Lehigh is deeply connected to the present and the global. Through courses like Music Cultures of the World and the History of American Popular Music, students investigate how music expresses identity, power, and agency across different eras and continents. This lens allows students to see music not just as entertainment, but as a primary document of human history.

Interdisciplinary "Deep Dives"

We frequently rotate our course offerings to reflect the latest in musical scholarship. These specialized seminars—ranging from Music and the Creative Arts to Sound Studies—allow students to combine their musical interests with other fields like visual art, literature, and even environmental science. This flexibility ensures that the classroom experience remains relevant to the diverse academic interests of Lehigh students.

The Scholarly Capstone

The journey for music majors culminates in a Senior Capstone project that can take many forms: from traditional research papers to historical performance guides and multimedia soundscapes. These projects allow students to work one-on-one with faculty mentors to produce original scholarship that often bridges the gap between music and their other academic majors.

Research & Resources

Music history students have access to Lehigh’s extensive digital archives and research libraries. Under the mentorship of faculty like Dr. Monica Hershberger, students are encouraged to pursue original research that challenges established narratives and contributes to the evolving field of modern musicology.

Related Programs & Courses

Study within the music history program primarily centers around the Music Major and Music Minor. It provides the essential context for work in Music Theory, Composition, and all of our Performance Ensembles.