University of Memphis

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum combines advanced coursework, applied or creative work where appropriate, comprehensive examinations and an original dissertation. Candidates follow a programme tailored to their specialism—common routes include musicology/ethnomusicology, music theory and analysis, composition and creative practice, and music education—supported by core courses in research methods and interdisciplinary approaches.

• Core research methods: qualitative and quantitative methods, historiography, archival research, and digital research tools for music scholarship.
• Theory and analysis: advanced harmony, form and analysis, counterpoint, set and serial techniques, post-tonal analysis and contemporary analytic frameworks.
• Musicology & ethnomusicology: cultural and historical studies, archival work, field methods, critical theory and areas such as American music, popular music studies and global musics.
• Composition and creative practice: advanced composition studio, orchestration, electroacoustic techniques, portfolio development and public presentation of creative research.
• Performance and pedagogy (where relevant): advanced applied lessons, doctoral recitals, seminar work in pedagogy and curriculum design for higher education.
• Dissertation: an extended original research thesis (or practice-led equivalent) that contributes new knowledge or creative insight to the candidate's field.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a master's degree in music or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution. Typical application materials include:

• A completed application form and official academic transcripts showing a strong record of graduate-level study.
• A research statement or proposal outlining intended doctoral research questions, methods and relevance.
• Academic CV and letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees.
• Portfolios tailored to the specialism: a writing sample or published work for musicology/theory; recorded performances and recital programme for performance specialisms; scores and recordings for composition applicants.
• An audition or interview may be required for performance and composition applicants; some specialisms may request a viva or online meeting with potential supervisors.

The admissions committee looks for demonstrated research potential, clarity of scholarly aims and a strong match between the applicant's interests and available faculty supervision. International applicants must also meet the university's English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Music pursue a variety of academic, creative and professional careers. Common pathways include:

• University and college teaching and research positions in music departments, conservatoires and schools of education.
• Professional music research and scholarship roles, including archival work, curatorship and publishing.
• Creative careers in composition, performance and artistic leadership, supported by the ability to present practice-led research.
• Arts administration, programming and policy roles within cultural organisations, orchestras, festivals and community arts initiatives.
• Consultancy and specialist roles in music technology, pedagogy development and curriculum design.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers doctoral study within the Scheidt School of Music, situated in a city with a rich and globally recognised musical heritage. Students benefit from close faculty supervision across a broad range of research specialisms, performance and recording facilities, and opportunities to engage with local cultural partners, ensembles and music industry organisations.

Doctoral students can take advantage of collaborative interdisciplinary links across the university, performance and research platforms in Memphis’ active music scene, and mentorship from faculty with strengths in areas such as American popular music, jazz studies, composition, and music education. Graduate assistantships and teaching opportunities provide professional experience in pedagogy and academic service while completing doctoral study.