Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Composition 36 months PHD Programme By University of Utah |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Starting Month

AugStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Music

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

With small classes, individualized instruction, and numerous opportunities for interacting with renowned composers and presenting personal compositions, students will develop an informed, unique musical voice.

The practice and study of composition has a long tradition at the University of Utah. The legacies of several trailblazing composers, including the illustrious Utah composer Leroy Robertson (1896-1971), the innovative Hispanic American composer Ramiro Cortés (1933-1984) and the electroacoustic music pioneer Vladimir Ussachevsky (1911-1990), have helped shape the dynamic character of the Composition Area and continue to inspire composition faculty to value innovative original work and the development of each student’s personal musical voice.

With an average of 25 composition students, 10 graduate and 15 undergraduate, the composition faculty can offer students individualized instruction and provide a stimulating environment that fosters the development of students’ creative and technical abilities in writing music. Each year, the area offers four student composers concerts, recorded reading sessions of student works with local professionals, and recitals and master classes from visiting artists and ensembles. Each semester, the Maurice Abravanel Visiting Distinguished Composer Series brings in a celebrated composer for a three-day residency that allows students to interact directly with renowned composers, such as John Adams, Milton Babbitt, John Corigliano, Mario Davidovsky, Lou Harrison, Jonathan Harvey, Tristan Murail, and Shulamit Ran, in an informal setting.

Our students typically go on to prestigious graduate programs or to teaching positions at academic institutions in the United States and beyond.

The PhD is a three-year, 62-64 credit hour program consisting of individual instruction in composition, music history and literature and advanced music theory. A doctoral thesis, composition and foreign language proficiency are required.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Music

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

With small classes, individualized instruction, and numerous opportunities for interacting with renowned composers and presenting personal compositions, students will develop an informed, unique musical voice.

The practice and study of composition has a long tradition at the University of Utah. The legacies of several trailblazing composers, including the illustrious Utah composer Leroy Robertson (1896-1971), the innovative Hispanic American composer Ramiro Cortés (1933-1984) and the electroacoustic music pioneer Vladimir Ussachevsky (1911-1990), have helped shape the dynamic character of the Composition Area and continue to inspire composition faculty to value innovative original work and the development of each student’s personal musical voice.

With an average of 25 composition students, 10 graduate and 15 undergraduate, the composition faculty can offer students individualized instruction and provide a stimulating environment that fosters the development of students’ creative and technical abilities in writing music. Each year, the area offers four student composers concerts, recorded reading sessions of student works with local professionals, and recitals and master classes from visiting artists and ensembles. Each semester, the Maurice Abravanel Visiting Distinguished Composer Series brings in a celebrated composer for a three-day residency that allows students to interact directly with renowned composers, such as John Adams, Milton Babbitt, John Corigliano, Mario Davidovsky, Lou Harrison, Jonathan Harvey, Tristan Murail, and Shulamit Ran, in an informal setting.

Our students typically go on to prestigious graduate programs or to teaching positions at academic institutions in the United States and beyond.

The PhD is a three-year, 62-64 credit hour program consisting of individual instruction in composition, music history and literature and advanced music theory. A doctoral thesis, composition and foreign language proficiency are required.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
3+
85+
To be considered for admission to the PhD in Composition, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements: 1. Hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music from accredited institutions. a. Exceptions are rare and require the applicant to seek an Exception to Graduate Admission Policy. Please email [email protected] for more information. 2. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all previous collegiate work. 3. International applicants must meet university English proficiency requirements. The School of Music requires higher scores on the TOEFL and IELTS exams. a. TOEFL: 85 composite score, with a minimum score of 20 in each category b. IELTS: 6.5 band score, with a minimum of 6.0 in each category. Submit the following as part of the online Graduate Admissions application: 1. Transcripts of course work from all schools attended. 2. Three letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and/or other professionals qualified to judge the applicant’s ability to successfully complete doctoral studies. 3. Statement of Purpose, including future goals. 4. Current CV or resume. 5. Two to four scores in different genres. Note: Applicant’s application will be reviewed by a committee of faculty members within the composition area

3 Years
Aug

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fees

Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD

Scholarships

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