Arts and humanities

Musicology degree

Musicology is a discipline dedicated to all aspects of music. It focuses on musical practices as well as works, composers, and performers; the physical nature of sound; and the contexts in which music is created and received.
The profession of musicologist differs from that of composer or performer. Musicology facilitates the work of musicians, leading to a broad and accurate understanding of musical works, and enables the rediscovery of little-known scores: musical practice and musicology enrich each other.

The Bachelor's degree in musicology atuniversité Grenoble Alpes offers a comprehensive curriculum combining historical studies (history of music and history of art), technical and scientific studies, and music practice sessions.
It comes in various disciplines : theory, music history, analysis (detailed study of works), ethnomusicology, acoustics, and technical subjects. It offers students the opportunity to simultaneously acquire a broad general and musical education and a solid technical foundation, provided that this is constantly reinforced by regular, high-quality musical practice.
A minimum level is preferred : several years of musical experience, a solid understanding of music theory (proficiency in reading sheet music in treble and bass clefs, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and sight-reading a simple piece).
It is recommended that students learn to play an instrument at a conservatory, music school, or through private lessons. A basic command of the keyboard for non-pianists will be required from the start of the program and must be maintained in preparation for the accompaniment exams in the second and third years.

Grenoble's Musicology Department offers a number of different courses and orientations throughout the 3 years of the Bachelor's degree:

• A Musicology track that includes an exploratory phase in^{the first} year of the bachelor’s degree program, covering two disciplines: musicology and art history and archaeology. This track offers courses focused primarily on musicology, as well as courses in the complementary discipline of art history and archaeology. This introductory phase gives students who wish to do so the opportunity to switch to the Bachelor’s degree program in Art History and Archaeology during the second semester of their first year.
• a Physics and Musicology pathway, offering the possibility of obtaining both a musicology degree and a physics degree in three years (Double Licence - see presentation below).

In 3^e Each year, students can choose from three tracks: musicological research; performance and musical practices (for graduate students at conservatories); and preparation for the teaching certification exam.
 

The Physics/Musicology double degree

This double degree takes 3 years to prepare, and is divided into 6 semesters.

Students follow a set of courses in both areas:

• Science: teaching focuses on physics, mathematics and mechanics
• In musicology : courses cover the history of music (from the Middle Ages to contemporary music), analysis of works, musical training, writing (musical composition), keyboard accompaniment and choir.