Positioned at the heart of a world-renowned academic institution, the Department of Music offers graduate degrees in Composition, Ethnomusicology, and Music History and Theory. The Department also offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Complementing them is a lively performance program that involves undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students.

Photo: Daniel Collins

Prospective Students

Undergraduate Study

A grounding in the frameworks of music—history, theory, ethnomusicology, and composition—as well as an uncommon degree of flexibility for individual pursuits are the hallmark of the Bachelor of Arts degree program in music. Detailed information is available in the Academics section. All undergraduates must apply for admission through the College.

Graduate Study

The PhD curriculum at the University of Chicago is shaped by the faculty’s vision of fluidity among the subdisciplines of music, and between music and other fields. Theory and history are combined in a unified curriculum, and all students complete coursework in ethnomusicological, historical, and analytical studies. This interdisciplinary model is a trademark of the University’s approach to graduate education.

Graduate studies in music also are highly individualized. Working closely with faculty, students create an integrated program of study based on their particular interests and talents. Students are frequently encouraged to take courses in other areas of the university, such as history, anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience, depending on their course of study. PhDs are offered in Composition, Ethnomusicology and Music history and theory. Detailed information on each of the programs can be found in the Academics section. A list of students currently in the program, along with their interests, is available through the Web pages of the Graduate Music Society.

Among their peers, graduate students will find a high degree of musicianship. Students are expected to develop practical vocal and instrumental skills, and musicianship progress is tested in practicum examinations covering a range of abilities from basic dictation to score-reading. Students also must meet specific foreign language requirements.

An important component for graduate students is the opportunity for classroom teaching. Each year, a select number of teaching appointments for PhD students are available 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.

The program of Ph.D. study can be completed in five to six years, although some students may choose to spend more time researching and writing their dissertation.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2009