Doctor of Philosophy in Music
The World Music Program offers degrees at both the master’s and doctoral levels. The MA in music has concentrations in scholarship (ethnomusicology/musicology), experimental music/composition, and performance. The PhD is in ethnomusicology. Many traditions are represented by faculty members through teaching and performing African American, East Asian, Central Asian, Euro-American, Indonesian, South Indian (Karnatak), West African, and experimental musics, and there are many opportunities for individual and ensemble study/performance.
Director of Graduate Studies in Music: Paula Matthusen
Courses
Satisfactory completion of courses totaling at least 12 credits. Students are required to take one core seminar (MUSC519, MUSC521, MUSC520/MUSC522), five elective graduate-level seminars other than the core seminars (two of which may be satisfied with appropriate courses already taken at the master’s level), two credits of performance (in different musics), one course outside the department, two credits of thesis tutorial (MUSC591/MUSC592), and four semesters of MUSC530. All degree-seeking graduate students are required to register for at least one credit in each semester that they are enrolled in the university.
Language Requirement
Two foreign languages are required for the PhD: one field language and one research language. All incoming students are required to take the language examination administered by the department at the beginning of their first term.
Progress and Qualifying Exams
At the conclusion of the second year in residence, students take a qualifying examination consisting of a set of essays and a follow-up oral examination.
Research
PhD candidates in ethnomusicology 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.
Additional Information
For additional information, please visit the department website at wesleyan.edu/music/graduate.