Department of Musicology
Head of the Department:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laima Budzinauskienė
E-mail: laima.budzinauskiene@lmta.lt
Coordinator
Lukas Sandhu
E-mail: lukas.sandhu@lmta.lt
Phone: +370 603 04 028
LMTA Building 2, Vilniaus 6-2, 01110 Vilnius, Room 216.
Address:
Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Building 1
Gedimino Ave. 42, 01110 Vilnius, Lithuania
Room 216
Phone: +370 5 262 8537
Department of Musicology
The Department of Musicology is the leading institution in Lithuania for training highly qualified scholars in music history, music theory, and other specialized areas of musicology. Faculty members and graduates work in research, education, music dissemination, cultural administration, and management. The Department was established in 2020 through the merger of the Department of Music History (founded in 1945) and the Department of Music Theory (founded in 1949).
Study Programmes
The Department of Musicology offers two study programmes that cover both theoretical and practical aspects of musicology while fostering interdisciplinary research and artistic studies:
- Music Studies (BA) – Specialisation: Music Research
This programme focuses on developing theoretical and practical competencies. In addition to university-level and musicological subjects, students engage in various types of research projects (fundamental, applied, or cultural development) by writing academic papers. Practical training is integrated into the program, preparing students for careers in various artistic and educational institutions. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates earn a Bachelor’s degree and can continue their studies at the Master’s level. - Arts Research and Communication (MA) – Specialisation: Musicology
This programme trains highly qualified scholars and researchers in musicology, equipping them with the skills to initiate and carry out various research and artistic projects. Graduates are trained to conduct independent research, analyze and evaluate musical, theatrical, and cinematic phenomena from historical, theoretical, cultural, and social perspectives, and explore different art forms in an interdisciplinary context. The programme fosters the integration of scientific and artistic practices within both national and global socio-cultural frameworks.
Graduates of the Musicology specialization in the Arts Research and Communication MA programme can pursue careers in academia, culture, arts, education, media, cultural policy, and creative industries in the public, non-governmental, or private sectors. They are equipped to form creative groups, implement artistic and educational projects, and engage in academic or applied research. They can also teach at higher education institutions and conduct independent musicological research.
Those who complete the Arts Research and Communication (Musicology) MA programme can continue their academic careers in the joint Doctoral Program in Art Studies, offered in collaboration with the Vilnius Academy of Arts (VDA) and the Lithuanian Culture Research Institute (LKTI). Doctoral students conduct cutting-edge research in musicology, music history, and music theory, contributing to the development of original and contemporary academic discourse. This prepares them for leadership roles in the academic and professional musicology community, advancing the field and promoting international dissemination.
Academic Community
Currently, the Department of Musicology has 17 students, guided by a professional team of lecturers who encourage students to integrate into the musicology community as soon as possible. The department’s core faculty consists of 24 dedicated educators—experienced specialists in music history and music theory—who ensure high-quality education through their pedagogical and scholarly activities. Faculty members actively contribute to Lithuanian musicological research, participate in international conferences, publish academic articles and monographs, and engage in applied musicology through media appearances, public lectures, and critical reviews.
The department’s faculty members work not only with future musicologists but also with students from the entire Faculty of Music and doctoral candidates in the arts. In addition to its core programs, the department oversees all LMTA courses in music theory (Ear Training, Musical Language) and music history (Music History B-Level, Alternative Approaches to Music History S-Level). Faculty members supervise undergraduate and master’s theses and contribute to Artistic Doctorate programme by teaching theoretical subjects and guiding research projects.
Each year, the department invites about five guest lecturers, whose national and international expertise enriches the study programs in various fields of musicology. This diverse faculty provides students with exposure to multiple methodologies, styles, and interdisciplinary perspectives in music history, music theory, and contemporary musicology, enhancing their critical thinking and research skills. This dynamic combination of permanent and visiting faculty members creates a vibrant learning environment, constantly shaped by the latest musicological research.
Practical Experience and Collaboration
Students in the Department of Musicology gain practical experience through collaborations with major Lithuanian cultural institutions, including:
- Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society (LNF)
- Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre (LNOBT)
- Lithuanian Composers’ Union (LKS)
- Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT)
Students are encouraged to volunteer and participate in significant annual events, such as:
- Baltic Musicological Conference
- LMTA Scientific Conference
- International Conference on Music Theory – “Principles of Music Composition”
Special emphasis is placed on regional partnerships within Lithuania, enhancing students’ academic and practical skills nationwide. Students also have opportunities to present their research at the annual Young Researchers’ Conference, organized jointly by the LMTA Musicology Department and the Vilnius Academy of Arts (VDA), as well as at international academic events.