Music (Musicology), PhD - Arizona State U

The PhD program in Music (Musicology) emphasizes scholarly research, critical thinking, and creative approaches to understanding and analyzing music in various contexts. It prepares students for careers in academia, research, music criticism, music librarianship, and other music-related professions. The program offers a strong foundation in music history, historiography, research methodologies, and music analysis, with opportunities for specialization in various areas. Graduates are highly qualified for research-oriented positions, teaching roles, or professional work within music organizations and cultural sectors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview:

The PhD program in Music (Musicology) focuses on the historical and cultural aspects of music.
It emphasizes scholarly research, critical thinking, and creative approaches to understanding and analyzing music in various contexts.

Objectives:

Prepare students for careers in academia, research, music criticism, music librarianship, and other music-related professions.
Foster a deep understanding and critical analysis of diverse musical traditions, genres, styles, and performance practices.
Develop research and analytical skills to conduct independent research and contribute original scholarship to the field of musicology.
Encourage creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration within music and related fields.

Program Description:

The program emphasizes a strong foundation in music history, historiography, research methodologies, and music analysis.
It provides opportunities for specialization in various areas such as medieval music cultures, the long nineteenth century, jazz, popular music, music in film, music and technology, music and gender, music and politics, music and social justice, and world music.
The curriculum includes a combination of core courses, seminars, electives, research opportunities, and a final dissertation project.

Program Outline

Program Content:

The core courses cover essential topics such as music history, historiography, research methodologies, and analytical techniques.
The concentration courses delve into specialized areas according to student interests, such as ethnomusicology, medieval music, music in film, music and popular culture, music and politics, music and technology, or other relevant topics.
Electives allow students to further explore specific interests and gain additional skills in areas like music theory, composition, performance, or digital humanities.
Research opportunities involve working with faculty on individual research projects, attending conferences, and presenting research findings.
The culminating experience is the dissertation project, a significant research undertaking that demonstrates the student's expertise and original contribution to the field.

Structure and Schedule:

The program typically takes 4-6 years to complete. Students take courses throughout the academic year (fall and spring semesters).

In the first two years, they focus on completing core coursework and exploring various areas within Musicology.
In the later years, they delve into specialized research areas, conduct research projects, and work on their dissertations.
Students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment and actively participate in program activities and events.
Include a description for each module, highlighting key learning outcomes and content areas covered.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

Exams and Quizzes: To evaluate students' understanding of key concepts covered in lectures, readings, and discussions.
Essays and Papers: To assess students' ability to conduct research, analyze sources, and present arguments in written form.
Presentations: To assess students' communication and critical thinking skills in orally presenting their research findings and engaging with peers and faculty.
Research Project: To evaluate students' research abilities, including the ability to formulate a research question, collect and analyze data, interpret findings, and present their work effectively in written and oral format.

Assessment Criteria:

Clarity of expression
Critical thinking
Depth of analysis
Originality and research contribution
Quality of writing and research
Effective presentation of research findings

Teaching

Teaching Methods and Approaches:

The program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to various student learning styles.
These include lectures, discussions, seminars, workshops, independent study projects, supervision of student research, and individual consultations with faculty members.

Faculty Expertise and Qualifications:

The faculty members have expertise in various areas of musicology and related disciplines, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and knowledge areas for student exploration.
The program emphasizes mentoring relationships between faculty and students to support individual academic and research development.

Careers

Potential Career Paths:

Music professor or researcher in universities or research institutions.
Music critic, music journalist, or editor for publications, websites, or broadcasting organizations.
Music librarian or archivist in libraries, archives, or museums.
Artistic administrator, curator, or project manager for arts organizations or festivals.
Independent music scholar, researcher, or consultant working on freelance projects or collaborations.
Teacher of music history or theory at secondary schools, community colleges, or private institutions.
Composer or performer, leveraging music knowledge and research into creative endeavors.
Policy analyst, cultural consultant, or advocate working in government, non-profit, or policy organizations related to arts, culture, or education.

Opportunities:

The program prepares graduates for various exciting careers within and beyond academia.
Graduates are highly qualified for research-oriented positions, teaching roles, or professional work within music organizations and cultural sectors.

Career Outcomes and Success Rates:

The program has a strong record of placing graduates in successful careers in various fields related to music and research.
The career services and alumni network support students in finding relevant job opportunities and navigating their career paths.
The program also provides resources for professional development, such as attending conferences, publishing research, and building a professional portfolio.