Doctor of Philosophy

Departmental Qualifying Exams, taken during the first two years of doctoral study, assess student’s knowledge of core subjects. Each PhD sub-plan in Music has its own scope and design for the qualifying exam, comprising written essays and an oral defense. The student consults with the advisor to choose committee members, and asks prospective members to serve. It is the student’s responsibility to finalize committee membership and convey this information to the graduate administrator by May 31 of Year 1. At the beginning of graduate study, students should consult with their assigned program advisors on how to prepare for the qualifying exam in their sub-plan. Students who pass most but not all portions of the qualifying examinations on the first attempt may, with the exam committee’s guidance, arrange a second attempt. Failure to pass qualifying exams results in dismissal from the PhD program.

PhD students in Computer-Based Music Theory and Acoustics typically take their written and oral Qualifying Exams in the week before the start of Autumn Quarter of Year 2. The written examination will consist of a 3-hour written portion on a choice of topics representing the core curriculum for 1st-year students in the CBMTA subplan.

PhD students in Ethnomusicology take their written and oral Qualifying Exams prior to the start of Autumn Quarter of Year 3. The written exam consists of six written sections on primary and secondary areas of the student's research and on ethnomusicological issues and methods.

PhD students in Musicology take their written and oral Qualifying Exams prior to the start of Autumn Quarter of Year 3. The written exam consists of six written sections on primary and secondary areas of the student's research and on musicological issues and methods.

Computer-Based-Music Theory and Acoustics

A written and oral examination testing the student’s knowledge of music and research in the student’s field of concentration is completed during the fourth year of study, no later than the last day of classes in autumn quarter of that year. This includes an oral defense of the dissertation proposal. The examining committee comprises prospective readers of the dissertation.

Musicology

During autumn quarter of the fourth year of study, the student submits a dissertation proposal and takes a Special Area examination on repertoire and scholarly literature in their proposed area of dissertation research. The Special Area exam begins with written responses to essay questions and a translation exercise, and concludes with an oral defense of the written answers and the dissertation proposal. The Special Area exam committee comprises prospective readers of the dissertation.

Ethnomusicology

During autumn quarter of the fourth year of study, the student submits a dissertation proposal and takes a Special Area examination on music, literature, and conceptual foundations relevant to their area of concentration and dissertation research. The exam includes written responses to essay questions and a translation exercise, and covers a theoretical topic central to the dissertation. It concludes with an oral defense of the written answers and the dissertation proposal. The Special Area exam committee comprises prospective readers of the dissertation.

Teaching is core to the academic and professional training of doctoral students in our program. All students are required to complete six quarters of teaching experiences by the end of their third year in the program regardless of their financial support.

Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree is a judgment by the faculty of the student’s potential to complete the requirements of the degree program. Qualifying procedures in Music include required coursework, Qualifying Examinations, language requirements, and identification of an advisor for dissertation research. Students are expected to complete qualifying procedures and apply for candidacy at the end of their second year in the PhD program. Failure to pass Qualifying Exams results in dismissal from the PhD program.

In the Department of Music, the oral exam is a defense of the dissertation presented upon completion of a substantial portion of the dissertation. Students consult with their advisor and reading committee on the timing.

Students are required to submit an approved dissertation that makes an original contribution to scholarship in the field of Music.

Depending on the language and the resources available, students may demonstrate competency in languages with coursework at Stanford or elsewhere, or with an examination administered at Stanford or by a qualified outside assessor. When a test of proficiency is not available through Stanford Language Center, the student and advisor should propose a means of assessment for approval by the Graduate Studies Committee, and document the approved plan and the outcome.

Computer-Based-Music Theory and Acoustics

Before students are advanced to candidacy, all PhD students in Computer-Based Music Theory and Acoustics must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one language other than English and the ability to translate it into idiomatic English.

Musicology

By advancement to candidacy, all PhD students in Musicology must pass PhD language reading examinations in German and a second language necessary for their planned doctoral research. A student may petition to substitute a different second language necessary for their planned doctoral research. If one of these languages is the student’s native language, the student may be exempted from an examination.

Ethnomusicology

By advancement to candidacy, all PhD students in Ethnomusicology must demonstrate proficiency in one field language and either one “classical” language (Latin, German, Italian, French, Spanish, or Russian) or a second field language. If one of these languages is the student’s native language, the student may be exempted from an examination.

Seminars are to be taken for 3-4 units each, in the first two years of study.

Complete one additional MUSIC 300 seminar, for 3-4 units, in addition to MUSIC 300D. A student may request to take another MUSIC 310, instead of an additional MUSIC 300.