Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts / BOYER COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND DANCE

Learn more about the Doctor of Philosophy in Music.

About the Program

The Music PhD program includes four concentrations: Composition, Music Studies, Music Theory, and Musicology. Each concentration includes a small core of required courses, allowing students to develop their remaining coursework with an advisor to focus on their particular scholarly or creative interests. The concentration in Music Studies allows students to combine disciplines (e.g., Music Theory/Composition or Musicology/Music Theory) in order to face the changes evident in the scholarly/creative fields in music departments throughout the world.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Accreditation: The degree program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Areas of Specialization: The Music PhD program includes four concentrations:

• Composition
• Music Studies
• Music Theory
• Musicology

Job Prospects: Graduates of the program typically find employment in professional music organizations throughout the world and in colleges and universities, among other employment venues in the music profession.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: At the discretion of the department, an applicant may be permitted to enroll for up to 9 graduate credits as a non-matriculated student on a probationary basis, permitting them to attend classes and develop sufficient evidence of compositional talent beyond what is demonstrated at the time of application to qualify for full acceptance into the program.

Financing Opportunities: Boyer College of Music and Dance offers a number of assistantships and academic internships to matriculated graduate students. Full awards carry a cash stipend plus full tuition remission for the Fall and Spring terms. Partial awards also are available in values of 1/4 or 1/2 of a full award. Duties for assistantships and internships vary, but typically include teaching, tutoring, classroom assistance, research, artistic performance and/or direct service related to academic programs. Assistantship and internship awards are made only in the Fall term for up to two terms: Fall and Spring. Awards may be renewed on an annual basis (typically up to one additional year for master's students and up to three years for doctoral students) based on departmental needs as well as satisfactory academic and musical progress by the recipient.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: January 15

Decisions regarding admission are rendered after all required credentials have been submitted and the admissions application is complete.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators who can provide insight into the applicant's abilities, talents and aptitude for graduate study.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate Bachelor of Music degree at Temple University, which is based on a curriculum of 124 to 135 hours.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: For each of the four concentrations, the following master's degree is expected:

Composition
A degree in Music is expected; a degree in Composition is preferred.

Music Studies
A degree in Music is expected.

Music Theory
A degree in Music is expected; a degree in Music Theory is preferred.

Musicology
A degree in Music is expected; a degree in Musicology/Music History is preferred.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: For each of the four concentrations, the following baccalaureate degree is expected:

Composition
A degree in Music is expected; a degree in Composition is preferred.

Music Studies
A degree in Music is expected.

Music Theory
A degree in Music is expected; a degree in Music Theory is preferred.

Musicology
A degree in Music is expected; a degree in Musicology/Music History is preferred.

Statement of Goals: Share your special interests within the discipline and your expectations for the program.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE/MAT: Required.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 100
• IELTS Academic: 7.0
• PTE Academic: 68

Portfolio: For those undertaking the Composition concentration, a portfolio is required. Applicants must submit, via Acceptd, evidence of compositional activity. If an applicant has enrolled in MUST 8740 Seminar in Composition prior to submitting an application for formal admission to the program in Composition, the work accomplished therein may serve to meet this entrance requirement, if satisfactory.

For the concentrations in Music Studies, Music Theory, and Musicology, a portfolio is not required.

Resume: Current resume required.

Scholarly Paper: For those undertaking the Composition concentration, applicants must submit, via Acceptd, one research paper that has no fewer than 12 pages.

For the concentrations in Music Studies, Music Theory, and Musicology, applicants must submit, via Acceptd, two research papers on contrasting topics. Each paper must be no fewer than 12 pages in length.

Advanced Standing: The Music PhD program consists of 42 discrete credits taken beyond the master's degree. At the time of admission, the entire master's degree serves as advanced standing credits. These credits are not counted toward the 42 required credits of the doctoral degree. However, students may transfer into the doctoral degree up to 12 graduate credits in coursework taken beyond the master's degree. Typically, this coursework is reviewed after admission to the PhD degree and must be approved by the major advisor and the Associate Dean. The maximum number of advanced standing credits awarded is 30.

Other: The program provides the opportunity for advanced study in music that conforms to the very highest artistic and pedagogical ideals. For this reason, enrollment in the program is limited.

Due to the large number of applications for admission and the competitive nature of its music programs, the College admits only a portion of its applicants. In addition to the general admissions credentials required of all Temple University graduate applicants, specialized admission criteria (i.e., auditions, portfolios, interviews, recommendations, departmental term papers, and standardized examinations) are very heavily weighted in admission decisions of the Boyer College of Music and Dance. Graduate applicants may be rejected for admission for failing to obtain the required level of proficiency in any one area of the specialized admission criteria regardless of the level of success in meeting the Temple University general admission criteria. In addition to the level of success demonstrated in the above-mentioned criteria, a final admission factor is the College's Optimum Enrollment Policy. This policy may preclude the admission of any student who meets the minimum requirements.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Master's: 42

Required Courses:

Composition Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
MUST 8701	Research in Music	3
MUST 8740	Seminar in Composition (4 terms)	12
MUST 8749	Current Topics in Musicology and Theory	3
Select two from the following:		6
MUST 9702	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music Theory
MUST 9703	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music History
MUST 9704	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music Composition
Electives 1		12
Research Course
MUST 9999	Dissertation/Monograph Research	6
Total Credit Hours		42

¹

Student selects no fewer than 12 credits in consultation with an advisor, and with approval of the Chair of Music Studies and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Music Studies Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
MUST 8701	Research in Music	3
MUST 8731	The Pedagogy of Music Theory	3
or MUST 8737	History and Pedagogy of Musicology
MUST 8743	Seminar in Stylistic Analysis	3
MUST 8749	Current Topics in Musicology and Theory	3
Select two from the following:		6
MUST 9702	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music Theory
MUST 9703	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music History
MUST 9704	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music Composition
Electives 1		18
Research Course
MUST 9999	Dissertation/Monograph Research	6
Total Credit Hours		42

¹

Student selects no fewer than 18 credits in consultation with an advisor, and with approval of the Chair of Music Studies and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Music Theory Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
MUST 8701	Research in Music	3
MUST 8739	Schenkerian Analysis 2	3
or MUST 8771	Post-Tonal Theory II
MUST 8743	Seminar in Stylistic Analysis	3
MUST 8749	Current Topics in Musicology and Theory	3
Select two from the following:		6
MUST 9702	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music Theory
MUST 9703	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music History
MUST 9704	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music Composition
Electives 1		18
Research Course
MUST 9999	Dissertation/Monograph Research	6
Total Credit Hours		42

¹

Student selects no fewer than 18 credits in consultation with an advisor, and with approval of the Chair of Music Studies and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. 

Musicology Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
MUST 8701	Research in Music	3
MUST 8737	History and Pedagogy of Musicology	3
MUST 8738	Schenkerian Analysis 1	3
or MUST 8748	Seminar in Post-Tonal Theory
MUST 8743	Seminar in Stylistic Analysis	3
MUST 8749	Current Topics in Musicology and Theory	3
Select two from the following:		6
MUST 9702	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music Theory
MUST 9703	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music History
MUST 9704	Doctoral Seminar in Music Studies: Music Composition
Electives 1		15
Research Course
MUST 9999	Dissertation/Monograph Research	6
Total Credit Hours		42

¹

Student selects no fewer than 15 credits in consultation with an advisor, and with approval of the Chair of Music Studies and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Language Examination: Prior to the dissertation proposal, students are required to pass two foreign language exams, with preference among German, French and Italian. Students may choose a different language if it relates to their dissertation research. The Chair of the Music Studies Department must approve a language exam outside of German, French and Italian. 

Additional Requirements:

All degree credits are to be earned at Temple University.

Written Entrance Examinations:
All doctoral students must take written entrance exams prior to or during the first term of doctoral study. Candidates who fail the entrance examinations the first time may, upon application to the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of the Boyer College of Music and Dance, be permitted to take the examinations a second time. If the examinations are failed a second time, remediation must occur. Students are advised by departmental faculty who develop a remediation plan according to the student's needs. A third opportunity is not allowed.

To continue registration in the doctoral program beyond the second term of study, all portions of the examinations must be passed or the appropriate review courses (or the equivalent, as determined by the examining department) must be in progress. Students planning to take the written examinations should request a list of dates from the graduate secretary and submit a written request to the Associate Dean one month prior to the administration date.

1. Music History Exam: A general examination covering the history of music is administered. Questions relative to forms, styles and periods of music are included. It is expected that all examinees are acquainted with the standard literature of music.
2. Harmony Exam: This exam involves completion of a harmonic excerpt in advanced chromatic idiom and the creation of a bass line with figuration (figured bass) in Baroque style.
3. Counterpoint Exam (required only for the Composition and Music Theory concentrations): From a given motive, approximately 20 measures of imitative counterpoint in three parts are to be completed.
4. Form and Analysis Exam: A score is provided at the examination that requires analysis of specified passages.
5. Composition Exam (required only for the Composition concentration): This examination includes essay questions on stylistic analysis and historical context, the writing of a figured bass line, and the Piano Performance Examination.
6. Writing Sample: A 90-minute examination of the student's ability to write at the doctoral level is conducted. Examination topics are of a general nature.

Composition Portfolio (required only for the Composition concentration):
Scores of completed compositions in various media must be submitted on or before the date of the Piano Performance Examination. Tapes of works in electronic media may also be submitted with or without graphic representation. All such submitted work of these designations should indicate the composer's abilities to use effectively both instrumental and vocal media, and, if appropriate, electronic media.

Piano Performance Examination:
Prior to the examination, the following should be prepared:

1. A twentieth-century work for piano of sufficient technical difficulty and expressive scope to demonstrate at least medium ability.
2. Score-reading a section of a nineteenth- or twentieth-century orchestral score.

In addition, the following is given for sight-reading:

1. Bach chorale.
2. Eighteenth-century orchestral score, in part.
3. Realization of a figured bass.

If the applicant in Composition gives evidence of outstanding ability to work in computer synthesis of music and has an educational background to support this kind of musical composition rather than one oriented to a more traditional performing medium, dispensation of the performance requirement may be made by the department, based on the applicant's evidence of skills related to the above or to other specialized modes of musical composition. If admitted on these qualifications in lieu of performance ability, the applicant is required to undertake sufficient work at the piano to enable them to perform, as a minimum requirement, a prepared chorale harmonization by Bach and a relatively simple orchestral score, also prepared in advance.

Recital (required only for the Composition concentration):
A recital of the student's music of chamber dimension is presented as a public event, with the performances the responsibility of the composer-candidate. A faculty committee selected from relevant performance and academic, as well as compositional, areas is asked to attend this recital and to participate in an oral critique of the recital as a whole with the composer-candidate. This is held at a designated time closely following the recital as set by the department chair. This recital must take place prior to the preliminary examination.

With departmental permission, a student may request a waiver of the recital requirement by presenting scores and recordings of five compositions that have received professional performances. The request must be made in writing to the department chair and a committee convened to review the compositions with the candidate prior to the preliminary examination.

Continuous Registration:
Continuous registration of at least 3 credits must be maintained each term, with the exception of Summer, from the time of acceptance into the PhD program in Music until the completion of all coursework.

Continuation in the PhD Program:
Each course or seminar requires an end-of-term final grade based on papers presented, recitals prepared, and discussion and/or examinations taken during the course of the term. Each term of private study culminates in a performance examination or jury, except during terms in which the student has presented one of the required adjudicated recitals. Grades of less than "B-" cannot be counted toward the degree. Any student who earns a grade of less than "B-" may, with permission of the department chair and the Associate Dean, retake the term of study one additional time. Screening for continuance in the program after the first term of study is conducted at adjudicated recitals, end-of-the-term juries, and major examinations. This ensures that only the most qualified students continue beyond the early stages of the program.

Professional Development Policy:
In addition to taking the required subjects for their degrees, all students in the Boyer College of Music and Dance are obligated to serve in a number of capacities in order to enrich their academic and musical expertise. Boyer College of Music and Dance believes that such experiences give impetus to successful professional careers. Among the duties that may be required are conducting laboratory classes; tutoring; teaching private lessons; coaching; participating in the distribution and inventory control of Temple University-owned musical instruments and instructional materials; participating in ensembles; accompanying; performing at admissions and open house events; supervising performance classes; and engaging in other academic activities.

Performing Ensembles:

1. Touring: All students in touring performing ensembles are required to participate in all scheduled tours. These tours, usually one or two weeks in length, often take place immediately after termination of academic terms. Students must arrange their schedules to accommodate this requirement.
2. Non-Credit Participation: With special permission, graduate students for whom there is no ensemble requirement, or where previous ensemble credits exceed the graduation requirement, may participate in choral and instrumental ensembles without cost, with prior permission from the ensemble director, the department chair, and the Associate Dean.

Independent Study Courses:
Independent study courses provide a special opportunity for graduate students to work in a highly individualized setting with one or more faculty members. All such study must receive the approval of the faculty member providing the instruction, the students' major advisor, and the Associate Dean. Approval is granted only after the student has presented a detailed description of the intended independent study project. Approval of independent study projects is granted only for students whose academic and musical record provides substantial support for the benefits of this type of study. In no case may more than 20% of a graduate student's curriculum be taken as independent study. Private lessons beyond those required in the curriculum are not an appropriate form of independent study.

Acceptable English:
All students, including those for whom English is not the native language, are expected to present all written work in acceptable English. No double standard exists to differentiate students on the basis of proficiency in the use of the English language. Students are also responsible for becoming familiar with the College's statement on plagiarism and academic honesty.

Written Preliminary Examination:
After the student completes coursework, the student and the student’s academic advisor agree on a dissertation topic and choose a Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC). The student presents a written description of the dissertation topic with an accompanying bibliography to the DAC for review. When the committee approves the description and bibliography, a date is set for the Written Preliminary Examination. The examination, composed by the DAC, should test the student’s readiness to commence the dissertation. When the student completes the written exam, the DAC convenes an oral defense of the exam. If the defense of the preliminary exam is successful, the student presents a formal dissertation proposal. If the student fails the Written Preliminary Examination, the DAC schedules a second examination.

Oral Preliminary Examination:
One week after the completion of the Written Preliminary Examination, the student takes an Oral Preliminary Examination with the DAC.

Incompletes:
All incomplete grades and keyboard proficiencies must be fulfilled by the first day of the month in which the student expects to graduate.

Other:
Graduate assistantships and other forms of University-sponsored financial aid do not cover private lesson and recital extension fees.

Culminating Events:
Proposal:
Having completed the Written Preliminary Examination, the student’s proposal for the dissertation is also complete. 

Dissertation:
For the Composition concentration, the dissertation consists of two parts:

1. An original composition of dimension approved by the advisor for full or chamber orchestra with or without soloists, or for voices and orchestra, or other approved media.
2. A short research paper suitable for publication.

Early in the term in which a defense of the dissertation is anticipated, the major advisor notifies the Associate Dean that it is time to appoint the Dissertation Examining Committee (DEC). The DEC consists of the DAC plus an "outside" reader, who is an additional graduate faculty member from Temple or another university, but not from the faculty of the student's home department.

Doctoral candidates must schedule a defense of the dissertation with the Associate Dean at least one month before the requested defense date. Forms to schedule the defense are available from the graduate secretary. This includes the "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form, found in TUportal under the Tools tab within "University Forms," which must bear all appropriate signatures and be submitted to the Associate Dean.

Two weeks prior to the oral defense, the student submits individual copies of the abstract and the completed dissertation to the Associate Dean and each member of the DEC. The graduate secretary notifies the Graduate School and posts notices of the impending defense on bulletin boards located within the Boyer College of Music and Dance. All members of the DEC attend the oral defense and then vote to pass or fail the dissertation and its defense after the conclusion of the public presentation.

Changes in membership of a DAC or a DEC must be approved by the Associate Dean. The change also must be communicated to the Graduate School.

For those in the Music Studies, Music Theory, and Musicology concentrations, the completed dissertation demonstrates the capability to integrate coursework; identify a viable research topic; develop an appropriate research design; systematically gain evidence toward resolving the stated problem; and write, defend and publicize the results in a professional manner. When the dissertation is complete and approved by the major advisor, the major advisor of the DAC asks the Associate Dean to appoint an "outside" reader, who is a graduate faculty member from Temple or another university, but not from the faculty of the student's home department. The DAC plus the outside reader comprise the Dissertation Examining Committee (DEC) for the oral defense. The DEC is formed early in the term in which a defense is anticipated.

One month prior to the requested defense date, the "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form, found in TUportal under the Tools tab within "University Forms," must be submitted to the Associate Dean bearing all appropriate signatures. This form is available in the Main Office and on the Graduate School website. Two weeks prior to the oral defense, the student submits individual copies of the abstract and the completed dissertation to the Associate Dean and each member of the DEC. The graduate secretary notifies the Graduate School and posts notices of the impending defense on bulletin boards located within the Boyer College of Music and Dance. All members of the DEC attend the oral defense and vote to pass or fail the dissertation and its defense after the conclusion of the public presentation.

Changes in membership of a DAC or a DEC must be approved by the Associate Dean. The change also must be communicated to the Graduate School.

Contacts

Department Contacts: