University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

The PhD in Music is structured around advanced coursework, specialised seminars and a substantial independent research or creative project (the dissertation). Candidates normally take modules that deepen their subject-area expertise and broaden methodological skills across topics such as historical musicology, ethnomusicology, analysis and theory, contemporary composition techniques, pedagogy and performance practice.

• Core research and methodology: seminars in research methods, historiography, critical theory, and approaches to music scholarship and interdisciplinary research.
• Specialist seminars: advanced study in areas such as Renaissance and Baroque studies, 19th‑century music, 20th/21st‑century music, non‑Western musics, jazz studies, popular music studies, and critical edition work, depending on supervisory expertise.
• Theory and analysis: graduate courses in advanced tonal and post‑tonal theory, counterpoint, form analysis, and contemporary analytical techniques.
• Composition and creative practice: composition students undertake private composition study, composition seminars, and workshops culminating in performances or recordings of new work.
• Performance and pedagogy: doctoral recitals or equivalent performance/portfolio requirements for performance-focused candidates, along with courses in advanced pedagogy and curriculum design for those preparing to teach.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to gain university teaching experience, attend grant‑writing and public engagement workshops, and prepare for academic and non‑academic careers.
• Dissertation: an original piece of scholarship or a creative doctoral project accompanied by an exegesis, typically preceded by comprehensive examinations and a proposal defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree (for example, MA, MM, or equivalent) in music, musicology, composition, theory, performance or music education. Exceptional candidates with substantial professional experience and demonstrable scholarly or creative achievement may also be considered.

• Academic transcripts: transcripts showing strong graduate‑level preparation in music or a closely related discipline.
• Research/creative writing sample: a sample of scholarly writing (e.g. article, thesis chapter) or a written exegesis for creative projects.
• Performance/composition portfolio: applicants in performance or composition must submit recordings and scores as appropriate, and may be asked to audition or have work performed for faculty review.
• References: several academic or professional references that address research potential, teaching ability and artistic accomplishment.
• Statement of purpose: a clear proposal outlining research interests, potential supervisors, and how the PhD will support career goals.
• English language proficiency: applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Music move into a range of careers across academia, performance and the cultural sector. The degree prepares you for university and conservatoire teaching, tenure‑track positions, and roles in curriculum development and educational leadership.

• Academic careers: tenure‑track and adjunct teaching posts in music history, theory, composition, ethnomusicology or music education.
• Performance and composition: professional performer, ensemble director, composer‑in‑residence, and roles in music production and recording.
• Research and scholarship: postdoctoral research, archival and curatorial positions, music librarianship and editorial work on scholarly editions.
• Arts management and policy: leadership roles in orchestras, festivals, arts organisations, and cultural policy institutions that value advanced research and pedagogy.
• Community and outreach: music education leadership in schools and community programmes, public engagement and interdisciplinary collaborative projects.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati’s College‑Conservatory of Music (CCM) combines conservatory‑level training with a major research university’s resources, offering doctoral candidates access to a wide range of performance spaces, ensembles, and research collections. The close ties to the regional professional music scene provide rich opportunities for collaboration, performance premieres and applied research.

• Expert faculty: supervision from internationally active scholars, composers and performers across multiple subfields of music.
• Performance and research facilities: access to recital halls, studios, recording facilities and extensive library and archival holdings that support both creative and historical research.
• Interdisciplinary links: opportunities to collaborate with departments across the university, including theatre, dance, media and education, fostering cross‑disciplinary projects.
• Professional development: structured teaching opportunities, workshops on grant writing and public engagement, and connections with local and national arts organisations to support career entry.