The Ph.D. in History and Theory of Music is unique and combines both historical musicology and music theory and analysis to offer a Ph.D. program with a particular emphasis on music theory and analysis, critical theory, and the aesthetics and philosophy of music. The program rests on two central pillars: a sustained engagement with musical works that is underpinned by a thorough grounding in musical skills and literacy, and a strong focus on critical theory, which students learn to apply to musicological sub-disciplines such as music analysis and historical musicology.
The doctoral program in the History and Theory of Music is taught by a core faculty whose primary and secondary research interests cover a wide area: vocal music of the Italian baroque, Central European music and culture from the 19th century to the present, experimental music of the 20th century, popular music since 1950, American musical theater, especially that of Stephen Sondheim, and the intersection of theory, philosophy, and culture.
The program seeks students with a strong academic foundation, excellent writing skills, and a desire to develop a research idea into an original thesis. Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in music or an equivalent level of training, and should demonstrate potential for creative research. Students are expected to have reading knowledge of French, German, Italian, or Spanish.