McGill University

Overview

The PhD in Music – Performance Studies at McGill University is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for performers and scholars passionate about advancing artistic research and performance practice. This program merges theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling students to undertake comprehensive examinations, receive performance-focused supervision, and engage in substantial research work.

What you'll study

The curriculum for the PhD in Music – Performance Studies is structured to integrate doctoral coursework, specialized performance training, and formal academic milestones. Candidates will benefit from tailored supervision and are expected to make a significant research contribution.

• Recital: A doctoral performance presentation to showcase artistic capabilities.
• Comprehensive Examinations: Assessments to determine readiness for advanced research.
• Performance Doctoral Colloquium: A platform for scholarly and artistic discussion regarding research-in-progress.
• Research Methods in Music: Exploration of various approaches to artistic research and scholarly inquiry.
• Performance Tutorial: Personalized or small-group training at the doctoral level to enhance performance skills.
• Repertoire Coaching: Advanced coaching aimed at supporting interpretive and research objectives.

Doctoral research component: Candidates will develop an artistic research project, supported by a detailed research proposal and ongoing supervision, with specific written or research deliverables required by the program and supervisory committee.

Entry requirements

Applicants to the PhD in Music – Performance Studies must possess a strong academic background, typically demonstrated by a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or equivalent. Required application components include a personal statement, a comprehensive CV, a research proposal, and examples of written work. Additionally, non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through the TOEFL iBT or an equivalent examination as specified by McGill University.

Career prospects