Music History
& Literature

Faculty Profiles

Undergraduate Program

Student Handbook

Graduate Program

Graduate Handbook

The WCU School of Music is composed of more than just the walls and windows of Swope Hall. The dynamic faculty work with the outstanding students to create a learning environment to foster the masterpiece with us all.

Susan Tonkin

Dr. Scott Balthazar, Chair, 610-436-2284

The Music History and Literature Department supports the undergraduate degree requirements with an attractive ratio of faculty to student, with five full-time faculty. Each faculty member is a recognized expert in their areas of concentration. The curriculum is brought to life by Collegium Musicum, an award winning ensemble for students interested in music from the Medieval through the Early Baroque periods. Unique period sounds, along with the visual impact of all performers playing, singing, and dancing in period costume, contribute to a vibrant perspective of this music from the not too distant past. The curriculum is brought to life by the Collegium Musicum, an award-winning ensemble for students interested in the study and performance of music before 1750.  This ensemble performs on reconstructions of original period instruments.

The School of Music at West Chester University is pleased to announce a new and streamlined tracks for a M.A. degree in Music History. For educators the program meets state requirements for a MA in MusEd. Music professionals looking to widen their interests and music educators seeking to strengthen their own teaching curricula are especially welcome.

The M.A. degree program provides experience in the discipline of music history that can be helpful to students wishing to pursue further professional training in library science, journalism, or editorial consultation. Church and instrumental musicians seeking to explore new repertories or to expand their knowledge of familiar repertories are especially encouraged to apply. A number of graduates have gone on to enter PhD programs at prestigious graduate institutions.

Any undergrad music degree (education, theory, history, performance) is an appropriate prerequisite for the program. Overseas study opportunities in Oxford, England are available to broaden the horizon.

I welcome students at both the undergraduate and graduate level to explore the quintessential expression of humanity — music. Please contact me with questions about the program.

Dr. Sterling E. Murray
Chair, Music History and Literature Department

top of page