Programs in music history teach people how music has evolved over time. Students learn about different styles in music composition. They study the development of musical instruments and notation. They learn about the lives and times of composers, conductors, and other musicians.

If you think about it, you're probably a student of many different kinds and levels of history already. You may know some history about your family - how your parents met, the embarrassing clothes they wore, the reason everyone calls your crazy aunt crazy. You probably know some history about your school, such as the reigning 100-meter record or the teachers who left and the teachers who replaced them. And you may also know some history about the town or city in which you live: the story behind its name, the year snow fell in July, the day the new swimming pool opened.

Beyond these local levels of history that are familiar to you, you have also probably studied history in school, on a larger scale. You might have studied the history of your state, of the U.S., of Europe, or even of the whole world.

Why are we curious about history, even if we're not directly involved in it? The fact is, even though you don't necessarily play a central role in these histories, or stories, they give you a better sense of who you are, where you live, and how and why you've become who you are now.

The same is true for studying music history. Learning about diverse periods and styles throughout musical history gives you a larger and more complete appreciation for music. And if you're a musician, you can also better understand your own role in the history of music.

That seems like a logical reason to study "The History of Rock 'n' Roll" at the same time as "The History Behind the Fugues of Bach," doesn't it? Besides, the variety is just plain fun.

A background in music history can help prepare you for careers in music publishing, criticism, and research. You could also be a music librarian, scholar, or educator; you could even work in music-related retail.

Many colleges and universities offer music programs that lead to bachelor's or master's degrees. Community colleges and independent schools of music also offer training programs that may also lead to two-year associate degrees. Bachelor's and master's degrees take two to four more years.