Graduate Study

Lawrence Zbikowski
Director of Graduate Studies
Email: larry@uchicago.edu

Academics

Ph.D. Candidate Andrew Greenwood teaches an undergraduate course in Music History.

Photo: Daniel Collins

The aim of graduate study at Chicago is to provide broad, flexible, and thorough scholarly training of the highest quality. Close work with faculty and the cultivation of students’ particular talents and interests are emphasized. Students develop a wide base of knowledge in various disciplines through an integrated program of study. To that end, Chicago students are frequently encouraged to take courses in other departments across the university. In addition, students will develop practical vocal and instrumental skills; musicianship progress is tested in a series of practicum examinations covering a range of abilities from basic dictation to score-reading. Students must also meet specific foreign language requirements, through examinations administered directly by the Department of Music.

Early Music Ensemble

Students Courtney Quaintance, Patricia Arzaga and Shawn Keener celebrate the success of an Early Music Ensemble Performance in Spring Quarter.

In addition, the Department seeks to maximize the opportunities available for Ph.D. students to teach in the college music classroom. Each year, there are a select number of openings for teaching appointments in the undergraduate College, including introductory classes in western music, world music, musical materials and design, music analysis and criticism, and music theory. These positions include both course assistantships and stand-alone lecture classes. Students may apply for positions as writing tutors in the College as well.

General information on graduate study in music is collected in the Graduate Student Handbook. A list of current students in the Department, as well as other helpful links, can be found through the web pages of the Graduate Music Society.

Students who are interested in obtaining a one-year Master of Arts degree without proceeding to the Ph.D. program should explore the Master of Arts Program in the Humanities (MAPH).

Learn more about general Ph.D requirements
Learn more about the Composition Ph.D
Learn more about the Ethnomusicology Ph.D
Learn more about the History and Theory Ph.D