The Doctor of Philosophy curriculum in music is offered to students who show promise as outstanding researchers and master teachers of music. The degree is awarded to candidates who complete the course of study with distinction, demonstrating outstanding ability in original research, scholarly study, and excellence in teaching.
Selected majors/areas of research for a PhD in Music include
Ethnomusicology
Music Composition
Music Education
Musicology
Music Performance - Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, and Voice
Music Theory - Schenkerian theory, post-tonal theory, and the history of theory
Students in music doctoral program must pass a written and oral qualifying exam and then complete and formally defend a doctoral dissertation based on original research. In general, all music PhD programs require that successful candidates for the degree demonstrate:
The ability to conduct independent research at a high level, leading to completion of a dissertation which is defended before a committee of scholars. Because examinations given as part of a PhD curriculum assess expert knowledge, they are created and evaluated by a committee of experts, each of whom holds a PhD degree
Proficiency in the tools necessary to carry out this research, including but not limited to computer skills, bibliographic competence, and reading of one or more foreign languages
Mastery of general and specific subject matter in the field of study before a committee of scholars
Part- and full-time study options, along with various delivery modes - residential programs, distance education programs and online programs - are also available. North American PhD programs in music welcome foreign students. However, fluency in spoken and written English is critically important.
