musicology

American  

[myoo-zi-kol-uh-jee] / ˌmyu zɪˈkɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the scholarly or scientific study of music, as in historical research, musical theory, or the physical nature of sound.

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musicology British  

/ ˌmjuːzɪˈkɒlədʒɪ, ˌmjuːzɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the scholarly study of music

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Other Word Forms

• musicological adjective
• musicologically adverb
• musicologist noun

Etymology

Origin of musicology

First recorded in 1905–10; music + -o- + -logy

Example Sentences

Mr. Page is a professor emeritus of musicology at the University of Southern California and the author of “Parallel Play.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

His bandmates were equally brainy: Mr. Gottlieb had a doctorate in musicology and Mr. Yarbrough once worked as a bouncer to pay for Greek lessons.

From New York Times • May 12, 2024

This quarter, Malabuyo is taking three classes, including a musicology course and a theater class, that all meet online.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2024

As the musicology podcast Switched On Pop recently observed, Vampire gathers pace in the second verse, with galloping drums that suggest a chase scene - but it all ends on an unresolved chord.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2023

And ear training is also crucial for those interested in music theory, musicology, or just being able to write down a tune accurately.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones