Master’s Degree in Maritime Music and Folklore
Why this master’s programme?
The Master in Maritime Music and Folklore
This program offers an in-depth immersion into the musical and narrative traditions that have emerged from the sea and coastal communities. Explore the history, instruments, and rhythms characteristic of maritime music globally, from work songs to epic ballads. You will learn to research, perform, and promote this rich cultural heritage, connecting the past with the present.
Differential Advantages
- Field Research: Participate in projects documenting and preserving musical traditions in coastal communities.
- Performance and Creation: Develop skills to perform traditional music and create new works inspired by maritime folklore.
- Historical and Cultural Context: Understand the evolution of maritime music and its relationship to history, the economy, and society.
- Networking: Establish contacts with musicians, researchers, and organizations dedicated to preserving maritime heritage.
- Professional Applications: Prepare for a career as a musician, researcher, educator, or cultural manager specializing in maritime music and folklore.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Masters
- Hours: 1600 H
- Start date: 11-06-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Musicians and folklorists interested in delving deeper into the maritime roots of traditional music and expanding their repertoire.
- Educators and music therapists seeking to integrate maritime folklore into their programs and therapies, exploring its cultural and therapeutic value.
- Researchers and anthropologists wishing to analyze the influence of the sea on music and folklore, documenting and preserving these traditions.
- Cultural managers and festival organizers interested in promoting and disseminating maritime musical heritage, organizing cultural events and projects.
- Music and sea lovers seeking specialized training to understand and appreciate the richness of maritime folklore, connecting with their origins and histories.
Training flexibility
Adapted for professionals and students: online and in-person modalities, flexible projects and access to digital resources during and after the master’s program.
Objectives and skills
Documenting and revitalizing forgotten coastal musical traditions:
“Researching local archives, interviewing elderly musicians, and creating accessible recordings for preservation and dissemination.”
Compose and arrange musical works inspired by maritime heritage:
To investigate and analyze traditional melodies, rhythms and musical forms associated with life at sea, creatively adapting them to new sound contexts.
To interpret and disseminate maritime folklore through innovative shows:
“To create stage narratives that connect maritime oral tradition with contemporary audiences, fusing music, dance and visual arts.”
Manage and promote cultural projects related to maritime music:
“Develop innovative financing strategies (crowdfunding, sponsorships, public/private grants) adapted to maritime music projects.”
To investigate and analyze the sociocultural impact of maritime music:
To identify how maritime music reflects and shapes the identities, traditions, and relationships between coastal communities and global culture.
Direct and coordinate maritime musicological research teams:
“Establish clear and effective communication protocols, both internally within the team and with external entities (archives, museums, local communities), ensuring the integrity and security of the data collected.”
Study plan – Modules
- Theoretical and musical foundations applied to maritime traditions: analysis of melodic structures, rhythm, and harmony in historical naval contexts.
- Advanced methodologies for the interpretation of maritime folk songs and compositions: vocal techniques, ornamentation, and stylistic variation.
- Multidisciplinary study of naval history and its influence on musical evolution: chronologies, sea routes, and their cultural correlations.
- Traditional and contemporary instrumentation in maritime music: classification, manufacture, performance techniques, and adaptation to oceanic environments.
- Transcription and specialized notation for maritime folk music: graphic systems, metric analysis, and thematic coding.
- Sociohistorical contextualization of sailors’ and whalers’ songs: symbolism, narratives, and function in the collective identity of maritime communities.
- Application Digital technologies for the recording, editing, and dissemination of maritime musical heritage: music analysis software, databases, and sound archiving.
Critical and comparative interpretation of regional variants in maritime folk music: dynamics of oral transmission and contemporary adaptations.
Performance practices based on historical authenticity: direction, controlled improvisation, and group dynamics in stage contexts.
Research and preparation of specialized academic reports: qualitative and quantitative methodologies for the documentation and preservation of maritime musical folklore.
- Historical and ethnomusicological foundations of instrumentation in traditional maritime music: origin, evolution, and cultural contexts
- Identification and analysis of traditional instruments: string, wind, percussion, and voice in maritime folklore
- Advanced study of performance and interpretation techniques specific to traditional maritime instruments
- Musical arrangements applied to maritime folk forms: structures, ornamentation, and harmonic adaptation
- Innovation and transformation in instrumentation: fusion of contemporary technologies with traditional elements
- Processes of transcription and adaptation of traditional melodies for modern instrumental ensembles
- Advanced theory of modal and microtonal harmony in maritime folk music
- Application of recording and production techniques focused on preserving the traditional sound essence
- Creative composition based on rhythmic and melodic patterns of Maritime folklore: methods and practical exercises
Critical study of emblematic cases and regional repertoires: analysis of arrangements and professional performance
- Introduction to Maritime Folklore: Definition, Characteristics, and Scope of Study
- Naval History and its Influence on Traditional Music: Chronological Evolution from Antiquity to the Modern Era
- Musical Analysis Techniques Applied to Maritime Genres: Modal Harmony, Work Rhythms, and Irregular Meter
- Traditional Instrumentation in Nautical Contexts: Construction, Tuning, and Sound of Instruments such as the Accordion, Violin, and Concertina
- Study of Specific Musical Forms: Sea Shanties, Sailors’ Songs, and Seafarers’ Ballads
- Historical and Social Contextualization of the Pieces: Migrations, Maritime Trade, and Their Impact on the Repertoire
- Technical Analysis of Sea Lyrics: Symbolism, Recurring Themes, and Their Relationship to Naval Practices
- Interpretation Methods and Vocal practice: breathing techniques, projection, and characteristic style of the maritime tradition
Application of ethnomusicology for the documentation and preservation of maritime folklore
Case studies: evolution of traditional melodies and their adaptation in contemporary contexts
Impact of technology on the dissemination and transformation of maritime folk music
Academic practices and research methodologies: comparative analysis of regional traditions
Influence of naval history on the identity construction of coastal communities through music
Exploration of primary sources: manuscripts, recordings, and historical transcriptions
Performative interpretation: stage staging, musical dramaturgy, and historical contextualization
Critical and ethical evaluation in the reproduction of maritime oral traditions
Development of applied research projects in maritime folk music
- Planning and implementation of training workshops for the cultural transmission of naval folklore
- Relationship between musical practices and maritime symbolism in popular culture
- Conclusion: synthesis of historical and technical foundations for innovation in maritime folk music
- Advanced Fundamentals of Musical Arrangements in Maritime Repertoires: Harmonic, Textural, and Modal Analysis Applied to Folk Genres of the Sea
- Specific Orchestration for Traditional and Contemporary Maritime Ensembles: Techniques of Instrumental Distribution, Timbral Balance, and Idiomatic Adaptation of Indigenous Instruments
- Sound Innovation and Technical Experimentation: Integration of Electroacoustic and Digital Elements for the Expansion of Maritime Folk Language
- Field and Studio Recording Processes: Acoustic Capture, Microphone Techniques, and Advanced Editing Oriented to Maritime Repertoires
- Development of Production Sessions Focused on Folk Authenticity and Sound Quality: Workflow, Mixing, Mastering, and Contextualized Mastering
- Complex Polyphonic Arrangements for Choirs and Vocal Groups of Maritime Tradition: Techniques
- Counterpoint, modal harmonization, and vocal leading
- Management and conservation of maritime sound heritage: digitization, sound archives, and ethical protocols in cultural dissemination
- Application of professional software for advanced music production: DAWs, specific plugins, and orchestral simulation tools
- Musical performance and direction in interdisciplinary projects: stage design, lighting, and sound dramaturgy linked to maritime folklore
- Critical evaluation and development of experimental projects that fuse tradition and contemporary art: proposals for aesthetic and cultural innovation with social impact
- Fundamentals of Maritime Sound Heritage: Definition, Scope, and Cultural Relevance in Global and Local Contexts
- Advanced Methodologies for the Identification and Cataloging of Sound Manifestations: Ethnomusicological and Archival Criteria
- Sound Recording and Capture Techniques in Maritime Environments: Specialized Equipment, Ambient Acoustics, and Logistical Considerations
- Physical and Digital Conservation Processes of Sound Archives: Formats, International Standards for Long-Term Preservation and Maintenance
- Application of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Technologies for the Restoration and Enhancement of Historical Recordings
- Digitization Protocols: Scanning Scores, Musical Transcriptions Adapted to Maritime Traditions, and Creating Multimedia Databases
- Interoperability Strategies and Cultural Metadata: Use of Dublin Core, METS, and PREMIS Standards and Their Implementation in Maritime Archives
- Copyright and international legislation applied to the dissemination of sound heritage: license and permit management in cultural projects
- Design and implementation of digital platforms dedicated to the dissemination of maritime folklore: usability, accessibility, and user experience
- Models of community participation in conservation and dissemination: collaborative workshops, partnerships with fishermen, sailors, and local cultural agents
- Evaluation of the social and cultural impact of sound heritage management projects: qualitative and quantitative indicators
- International and regional case studies on the conservation and successful dissemination of maritime sound heritage
- Development of comprehensive projects: from field planning to multimedia dissemination and economic sustainability
- Innovation in applied cultural dissemination: augmented reality, immersive experiences, and mobile applications to promote maritime folklore
- Strategic planning for the valorization of sound heritage in public policy and tourism
- cultural
- Professional ethics and social responsibility in the management of intangible maritime heritage
- Introduction to Advanced Ethnomusicological Analysis: Theoretical Frameworks Applied to Maritime Music
- Advanced Sound Transcription Techniques: From the Field to the Digital Score
- Specialized Tools and Software for Sound Capture and Editing in Maritime Contexts
- Methodologies of Sound Archaeology: Exploration and Recovery of Historical Recordings in the Maritime Folklore Field
- Scientific Procedures for the Identification and Classification of Traditional Instruments and Maritime Vocalizations
- Design and Performance of Musical Arrangements Maintaining Authenticity and Cultural Context
- Application of Modal Harmony and Microtonality in Maritime Folk Arrangements
- Strategies for Integrating Marine Sound Elements (Waves, Wind, Vessels) to Enrich Soundscapes
- Digital Preservation Practices: International Standards for the Management and Secure storage of sound heritage
Management and curation of maritime sound heritage: policies, ethics, and cultural legislation
Social and cultural implications of oral and sound transmission: collective construction of identity in maritime communities
Planning interdisciplinary projects to document, disseminate, and revitalize maritime musical traditions
Critical evaluation of international case studies: successes and challenges in the preservation of maritime sound folklore
Technological innovations in the management and dissemination of local and global sound heritage
Formation of collaborative networks and a community of experts in maritime music and folklore
- Historical Foundations of Maritime Folklore: A Critical Analysis of its Origins and Evolution in Diverse Coastal and Riverine Cultures
- Musical Theory Applied to Maritime Folklore: Modal Structures, Tonality, Rhythm, and Traditional Compositional Forms
- Advanced Methodologies for Authentic Performance: Instrumental, Vocal, and Improvisational Techniques Specific to the Maritime Repertoire
- Innovation in Maritime Folk Music: Integration of Technological Resources, Stylistic Fusion, and Respectful Contemporary Creation
- Documentation and Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Use of Digital Archiving, Ethnomusicology, and Applied Anthropology for Effective Conservation
- Strategies for Intergenerational Transmission: Design of Educational Programs and Community Workshops that Ensure the Continuity of Musical Heritage
- Analysis of Emblematic Cases: Studies of Icons of Maritime Music and Their Contributions to Cultural Identity and Tourism sustainable
- Cultural Project Management: planning, financing, and promotion of events that promote maritime music and traditions
- Legal and Ethical Aspects of Folklore Protection: copyright, licensing, and respect for indigenous communities
- Critical and Practical Evaluation: designing evaluation sessions that measure interpretive mastery, compositional creativity, and cultural commitment
- Current Overview of Maritime Folk Music: Analysis of global trends, evolution of genres, and cultural contexts in the 21st century
- Sound Innovation: Incorporation of electronic instruments, advanced mixing techniques, and acoustic experimentation applied to maritime folklore
- Digital Technologies for Music Production: DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), specific plugins for folk timbres, and sound design adapted to marine sounds
- Professional Recording and Post-Production: Advanced microphones, recording techniques in open spaces and maritime acoustics, detailed editing, and high-fidelity mastering
- Multiplatform Strategies for Dissemination: Efficient implementation on social media, streaming platforms, and specialized channels
- Digital Marketing and Artistic Branding: Creation of a sonic and visual identity consistent with maritime tradition using analytical and social tools
- Live Streaming and Virtual Events: Low-latency technologies, audiovisual synchronization, and immersive experiences for global audiences
- Online Collaborative Tools: Shared projects, cloud computing, and synchronization software for remote co-creation
- Augmented and Virtual Reality: Emerging applications for the education, dissemination, and experience of maritime folklore
- Digital Licensing and Rights: Intellectual property management, distribution, and monetization in contemporary digital environments
- Success Stories and Benchmarking: Detailed analysis of innovative and disruptive projects in the production and dissemination of maritime folk music
- Future of Folk Music Production: Technological and cultural trends with transformative potential for the preservation and expansion of the genre
- Fundamentals of Musicology Applied to Maritime Folklore: Historical and Contemporary Approaches
- Acoustic Analysis Methodologies: Advanced Techniques of Spectrography, Digitization, and Processing of Marine Sound Signals
- Documentation and Cataloging of Maritime Musical Heritage: International Standards and Specialized Databases
- Physical and Digital Conservation Techniques for Sound Materials and Traditional Scores: Restoration, Preservation, and Musical Archiving
- Critical Interpretation of Oral and Written Sources: Interviews, Transcriptions, and Applied Hermeneutics
- Contemporary Creation and Composition Inspired by Maritime Traditions: Integration of Folkloric Elements and Advanced Musical Technologies
- Instrumentation and Specific Arrangements for Maritime Folk Music: Adaptation and Reinvention of Traditional Instruments
- Application of Digital Technologies in Sound Recomposition: Production, Sampling, and Synthesis in Digital Environments Electroacoustic Music
Management and Promotion of Maritime Musical Heritage: Legal, Cultural, and Economic Strategies for its Sustainability
Integrated Projects and Practical Workshops: Design and Execution of Performances, Recordings, and Cultural Exhibitions Based on Maritime Folklore[l]
- Advanced Methodology for the Development of the Master’s Thesis: Problem Definition, Hypothesis, Objectives, and Specific Theoretical Framework in Maritime Music and Folklore
- Comprehensive Research of Maritime Sound Heritage: Field Techniques, Ethnomusicological Analysis, Audiovisual Documentation, and Application of Digital Technologies for Conservation
- Innovation Applied to Maritime Folk Music: Study of New Forms of Performance, Stylistic Fusion, and Development of Creative Projects Based on Maritime Traditions
- Conservation of Intangible Heritage: Legal Strategies, Cultural Policies, and Management of Port Communities for the Preservation of Ancestral Songs, Instruments, and Musical Practices
- Dissemination and Communication of Maritime Sound Heritage: Design of Awareness Campaigns, Use of Digital Platforms, Curation of Exhibitions, and Production of Specialized Multimedia Content
- Use of Advanced Technologies for Sound Capture and Editing: Recording in Natural Environments, Acoustic Processing, Digital Restoration, and Creation of Interactive Sound Archives
- Critical analysis of emblematic international cases in the preservation and revitalization of maritime folklore: methodologies, results, and key lessons
- Development of an integrated final project: practical application of the research, innovative proposal, and sustainable management plan for the conservation and dissemination of maritime musical heritage
- Scientific and artistic evaluation of the final work: criteria of originality, methodological rigor, sociocultural impact, and feasibility in real-world contexts
- Professional presentation and oral defense of the Master’s Thesis before an interdisciplinary committee, with emphasis on effective communication and specialized argumentation
Career prospects
“`html
- Cultural Manager specializing in maritime music: design and direction of festivals, concert series, and events related to maritime folklore.
- Researcher and Documentarian: collection, analysis, and dissemination of maritime music and traditions in archives, museums, or research centers.
- Educator and Communicator: delivery of workshops, courses, and lectures on maritime music and folklore in educational and cultural institutions.
- Performing Musician and Composer: creation and performance of music inspired by maritime folklore, in both traditional and innovative formats.
- Consultant in cultural tourism projects: development of tourism products and routes focused on maritime musical and ethnographic heritage.
- Sound Engineer and Music Production Technician: specializing in the recording and production of maritime folk music. both in the studio and live.
- Intangible Heritage Manager: participation in projects for the safeguarding and promotion of maritime musical heritage, in collaboration with institutions and local communities.
- Sociocultural Facilitator: facilitation of musical and folkloric activities in community contexts related to the sea.
“`
Entry requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering or a related qualification; or proven professional experience on the bridge/in operations.
Language proficiency:
Functional Maritime English (SMCP) recommended for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated CV, copy of qualification or seaman’s book, national ID/passport, motivation letter.
Technical requirements (for online):
Device with camera/microphone, stable internet connection, monitor ≥ 24” recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admissions process and dates
Online
application
(form + documents).
Academic review and interview
Admissions decision
Admissions decision
(+ scholarship offer if applicable).
Place reservation
(deposit) and enrolment.
Induction
(access to the virtual campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and financial support
- Delve into cultural richness: Explore musical and folkloric traditions linked to the sea through an interdisciplinary approach.
- Master research techniques: Learn to document, analyze, and preserve maritime musical heritage with academic rigor.
- Connect with experts and creators: Interact with researchers, musicians, and artists specializing in maritime folklore at the national and international levels.
- Develop innovative projects: Apply your knowledge to the creation of cultural, educational, and artistic projects that promote maritime folklore.
- Expand your career opportunities: Prepare to work in museums, archives, research centers, festivals, and cultural development projects.
Testimonials
This master’s program provided me with the necessary tools to research and understand the profound connection between music and maritime traditions. I applied the knowledge I gained to create a project to recover work songs from my region, which won an award at an international folk music festival. Thanks to the training I received, I was able not only to rescue this intangible cultural heritage but also to give it new life through innovative musical arrangements that respect its origins.
My experience in the Master’s program in Naval Art & Literature exceeded all my expectations. The lectures, combined with research in historical archives and interaction with professionals in the field, allowed me to develop a deep and multifaceted understanding of maritime influence on culture. Thanks to the training I received, I published my first academic article on 18th-century naval iconography and secured a research position at the National Maritime Museum.
This master’s program provided me with the necessary tools to research and understand the profound connection between music and maritime traditions. I applied the knowledge I gained to the composition of an orchestral suite inspired by fishermen’s songs, which premiered to great acclaim at the International Maritime Music Festival, receiving excellent reviews and opening doors to future collaborations.
This master’s degree provided me with the necessary tools to research and understand the profound connection between music and maritime cultures. I applied the knowledge I gained to the composition of an orchestral suite inspired by whalers’ songs, which premiered with great success at the International Maritime Music Festival, winning the award for best original composition.
Frequently asked questions
The study of music and folklore related to the sea.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
It encompasses folk music related to the sea in general, including traditional sea shanties.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Advanced Methodology for the Development of the Master’s Thesis: Problem Definition, Hypothesis, Objectives, and Specific Theoretical Framework in Maritime Music and Folklore
- Comprehensive Research of Maritime Sound Heritage: Field Techniques, Ethnomusicological Analysis, Audiovisual Documentation, and Application of Digital Technologies for Conservation
- Innovation Applied to Maritime Folk Music: Study of New Forms of Performance, Stylistic Fusion, and Development of Creative Projects Based on Maritime Traditions
- Conservation of Intangible Heritage: Legal Strategies, Cultural Policies, and Management of Port Communities for the Preservation of Ancestral Songs, Instruments, and Musical Practices
- Dissemination and Communication of Maritime Sound Heritage: Design of Awareness Campaigns, Use of Digital Platforms, Curation of Exhibitions, and Production of Specialized Multimedia Content
- Use of Advanced Technologies for Sound Capture and Editing: Recording in Natural Environments, Acoustic Processing, Digital Restoration, and Creation of Interactive Sound Archives
- Critical analysis of emblematic international cases in the preservation and revitalization of maritime folklore: methodologies, results, and key lessons
- Development of an integrated final project: practical application of the research, innovative proposal, and sustainable management plan for the conservation and dissemination of maritime musical heritage
- Scientific and artistic evaluation of the final work: criteria of originality, methodological rigor, sociocultural impact, and feasibility in real-world contexts
- Professional presentation and oral defense of the Master’s Thesis before an interdisciplinary committee, with emphasis on effective communication and specialized argumentation
Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.