Department website: http://www.music.utexas.edu/

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in music is offered with concentrations in musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory. The PhD degree is also offered with a major in music and human learning. 

• Music and Human Learning. Students in this major study the fundamental principles of human learning and behavior as applied in all aspects of music activity, including performance, perception, composition, analysis, pedagogy, and the role of music in elementary and secondary schools and in higher education. Individual courses of study are uniquely designed to broaden and refine the knowledge and skills of experienced educators, preparing them for advanced careers as teachers and scholars in the various dimensions of research and professional education.
• Musicology/Ethnomusicology. Students pursuing degrees in this area of concentration have the opportunity to acquire the appropriate tools and methods of research in both historical musicology and ethnomusicology, and to study the history of music from the remote past to the present as well as the nature and function of music in the cultures of the world. The student also has the opportunity to do research in any historical aspect of music and to undertake field research in any cultural area. This major provides preparation for positions in college teaching, in research, in music criticism, and, with additional training, in library work. A broad background in the humanities and social sciences is essential for this area of study. Languages, history, philosophy (aesthetics), psychology, anthropology, cultural studies, and sociology are supporting, related fields.
• Conducting. Students in this major study the artistic, technical, physical, and leadership principles and skills required of successful conductors at the professional and postsecondary levels. Intensive coursework in conducting, score study, analysis, musicology, and theory is combined with opportunities to conduct University ensembles. Individual courses of study are tailored to prepare students for advanced careers as artists and teachers.
• Theory. Students pursuing degrees in this area of concentration study the principles of music, develop skills in music analysis and scholarly research, and prepare themselves to become college teachers in music theory. Competence in keyboard performance, proficiency in aural skills, a thorough knowledge of the pedagogy of music theory, and a broad background in the humanities are essential for this area of study.

Graduate Handbook

Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for PhD degrees are required to pass a comprehensive examination and to write a dissertation based on original research. 

All applicants are required to furnish a statement of intent in graduate study and three letters of reference pertaining to their potential for graduate work in music, music and human learning, or conducting. Graduate Record Examinations scores are not required for students pursuing degrees in conducting or in music with concentrations in composition or performance. Applicants seeking admission to degree programs with a concentration in performance typically must perform a live audition. Exceptions and detailed instructions can be found on the Butler School of Music graduate admissions website. Those seeking admission to the degree program in conducting and certain areas of concentration within music must submit prescreening videos before arranging for a live audition on campus; those planning to major in music with a concentration in composition must send scores and recordings of their music; and those planning to major in music with a concentration in musicology, ethnomusicology, or music theory must submit samples of their written work. Those applying for admission to doctoral degree programs in music and human learning must submit samples of written work and video recordings of their teaching.

Diagnostic examinations in music theory and in music history and literature are required of all students before registration for the first semester of graduate work. Passing these examinations or remediation of the deficiencies by completing assigned courses is necessary for completion of every degree, and, in the case of doctoral students, is a prerequisite to doctoral comprehensive examinations.

Entering graduate students in music pursuing a concentration in voice are expected to have taken the equivalent of one semester each of Italian, French, and German, and two semesters of diction. All entering graduate students pursuing a degree with a concentration in voice are given a diagnostic examination consisting of reading in these three languages. The examination stresses proficiency in pronunciation and is used to help the student plan a program of study.

Total Hours Required: 30

Requirements

Information about requirements in the various areas of concentration is available from the graduate admissions coordinator.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
All students must also follow the requirements and policies below:
Graduate Fine Arts Requirements
Graduate University Requirements