The degree programs are designed to favor interaction among musical disciplines that have traditionally been kept separate. For example, the performance programs at Stony Brook all have an academic component. Graduate courses typically have a healthy mix of students from all areas. A number of courses are team taught by two or more faculty members, examining topics from several disciplinary viewpoints. Several examine music in a broader social context, drawing on such disciplines as ethnomusicology, cultural studies, and feminist theory.
Interdisciplinary studies are central to the educational philosophy of the department.
The music of the 20th century is a particular emphasis of both the performance and academic programs. But other areas are also amply represented. Students can choose seminars from a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from medieval music theory to popular music.