Who is a musicologist and what do they do? The musicologist carries out a wide range of activities related to research into the development of musical styles, national musical schools and traditions, the works of different composers, certain musical works, evolution of musical thinking and the art of performance.
What are the activities of the musicologist job? Tracking down, collecting, analysing, evaluating and preserving musical works of different composers in certain styles – building of music stocks and libraries of records and tapes – music critique and reviewing – producing – editing – advising cultural institutions – intercultural investigations.
Where is it done and under what conditions? There is no definite place of work. The musicologist works in studios, concert halls, opera houses, music studios, libraries, archives, record libraries. Collecting music involves travelling and could mean being away from home and meeting people from different ethnic communities.
What tools/equipment do they use? Scientific and popular musical literature, art criticism, aesthetic and philosophical literature, musical and cultural archives, computers, sound recording, sound reproduction and video devices and equipment.
What do you need to succeed? You need to have completed higher education in the field of music. A developed ear for music, a good memory, ability to concentrate, attentiveness, analytical thinking, ability to compare and generalise, communication skills, ethnic tolerance and aesthetic sense can all be important.