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The Music Department offers degrees at both the master’s and doctoral levels. The PhD is offered in ethnomusicology. Coursework takes the form of seminars and individual study with faculty members. The faculty represent many musical traditions teaching, performing and composing African American, East Asian, Central Asian, Euro-American, Indonesian, South Indian (Karnatak), West African, contemporary and experimental composition and improvisation.
PhD candidates in ethnomusicology typically enter the program with a grasp of ethnomusicology and its methods equivalent to that developed in the MA. Those with a different disciplinary background must complete the two MA ethnomusicology seminars together with their other work. PhD candidates are required to complete a dissertation and defense in their area of expertise. Research may include field work, archival research, engagement in performance, and learning a field language, among other practices. Course work consists of six graduate seminars, two performance courses, a course outside of the department, four semesters of the Music Department Colloquium and thesis tutorials. Candidates must successfully complete the Qualifying Examination before they begin their dissertation writeup. PhD students are required to pass a proficiency exam in a field or research language, determined in consultation with their thesis advisor.
Most often, candidates complete coursework and the Qualifying Exam, undertake field work for a year or longer, and then return to complete the writing of their dissertations.
