The History of Texas Music incorporates a selection of well-chosen photographs of both prominent and less-well-known artists and describes not only the ethnic origins of much of Texas music but also the cross-pollination among various genres. A musician himself, Hartman draws on both academic and non-academic sources to give a more complete understanding of the state’s remarkable musical history and ethnic community studies with his first-hand knowledge of how important music is as a cultural medium through which human beings communicate information, ideas, emotions, values, and beliefs, and bond together as friends, families, and communities. In the first thorough survey of the vast and complex cultural mosaic that has produced what we know today as “Texas music,” he paints a broad, panoramic view, offers analysis of the origins of and influences on specific genres, profiles key musicians, and provides guidance to additional sources for further information. Historian Gary Hartman writes knowingly and lovingly of the Lone Star State’s musical traditions. Music history faculty members regularly employ their research interests in their teaching their specialties range from the Baroque period to contemporary music and represent a variety of scholarly methodologies in historical musicology and ethnomusicology.The richly diverse ethnic heritage of the Lone Star State has brought to the Southwest a remarkable array of rhythms, instruments, and musical styles that have blended here in unique ways and, in turn, have helped shape the music of the nation and the world. CSUF music history majors have researched a wide array of thesis topics, and have gone on to advanced graduate study in musicology and ethnomusicology at institutions such as the University of Michigan, University of Washington, Claremont Graduate University, and University of California, Riverside. Graduates of both programs are prepared to enter careers in music and related fields and to continue their studies at the graduate level. degree in music history provides students with close faculty mentoring and flexible study plans tailored to individual interests. degree in music history emphasizes the academic study of music for students who wish to prepare for graduate work or who simply seek greater exposure to music history and literature.

We offer undergraduate courses and graduate seminars in a wide range of areas including Western art music of all periods, jazz and popular music, and world music. Cal State Fullerton’s music history and literature area seeks to provide every music student with essential knowledge and skills in music history and literature and provides training in musicological research and methods for B.A.

History of ethnomusicology