Doctor of Philosophy - Music

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.

The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations. The thesis also makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and / or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research 'apprenticeship' is complete and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.

In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research Masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The normal length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices OR equivalent to 80,000 words in the case of the PhD (Composition), the PhD (Music Performance), the PhD (Jazz & Improvisation) and the PhD (Interactive Composition) – see Confirmed Candidature, below. Footnotes are included as part of the word limit. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the Research Higher Degrees Committee.

Doctoral degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research work. In addition, professional doctoral studies provide advanced training designed to enhance profesional knowledge in a specialist area, and encourage the acquisition of a wide range of advanced transferable skills.

Probationary Candidature (Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Composition, Music Therapy, Music Psychology and Performance Science)

Normally PhD candidates are first admitted as 'probationary' candidates, except for those who have converted from a Masters by Research, or in some cases, have transferred from another institution.

Probationary candidature is for a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 12 months (or 18 and 24 months for part-time students) except where an extension is officially approved. During the probationary period the student's suitability for sustained independent work is assessed, and the Student's Confirmation Committee must be satisfied of the student's readiness for full PhD candidacy before recommending Confirmation.

The Confirmation Report Form is sent to the candidate after 9 months (full-time) probationary candidature. A Committee comprising the the student's supervisor(s), and additional members of academic staff co-opted for the confirmation, meets to interview the candidate toward the end of the probationary period. The candidate may be required to verbally defend his or her written report to the Confirmation Committee, and the Committee will assess the feasibility and resource requirements of the proposed project and offer suggestions towards its successful completion.

In the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, confirmation is generally recommended when all of the following are satisfied:

• A precise thesis topic and a fully-developed thesis proposal has been submitted, presented to, and approved by the Confirmation Panel;
• The candidate has attended an interview with their Confirmation Committee and satisfied the Committee that he or she is ready for full PhD candidacy.
• The Committee will normally require the presentation of 10,000 words of the thesis or, in the case of Composition, the presentation of at least 30 minutes of music and at least 3,000 words of the dissertation component;
• The Confirmation Committee is satisfied with the student's research aptitude and progress;
• The candidate has attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Postgraduate Seminar at least nine times.

Some students will be transferring from a Masters degree, where they will have met some of these requirements. Consequently, the probationary program for each PhD student is arranged individually according to the research training and background of the student.

Probationary Candidature (Music Performance)

In the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, confirmation is generally recommended when all of the following are satisfied:

• A precise thesis topic and a fully-developed thesis proposal have been submitted, presented to, and approved by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Confirmation Panel;
• The candidate has attended an interview with their Confirmation Committee and satisfied the Committee that he or she is ready for full PhD candidacy. In the case of Music Performance, the Committee will normally require the presentation of a CD or DVD of performance equivalent to a public recital of at least 70 minutes and at least 4000 words of the dissertation component. If a public recital is to be presented in support of confirmation, candidates may present in Melba Hall during the graduate performance assessment period in mid year or December. Audio-visual technical support will be available for recording the recital if required.
• The candidate has attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Postgraduate Seminar at least nine times.

Some students will be transferring from a Masters degree, where they will have met some of these requirements. Consequently, the probationary program for each PhD student is arranged individually according to the research training and background of the student.

Probationary Candidature (Jazz & Improvisation, Interactive Composition)

In the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, confirmation is generally recommended when all of the following are satisfied:

• A precise thesis topic and a fully-developed thesis proposal have been submitted, presented to, and approved by the Confirmation Panel
• The candidate has attended an interview with their Confirmation Panel and satisfied the Panel that s/he is ready for full PhD candidacy

Confirmed Candidature (Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Music Therapy, Music Psychology and Performance Science)

Once confirmed, a PhD candidate undertakes supervised work that leads to a thesis (of approximately 80,000 words). The thesis may be presented after two or three years of full-time study (four to six years part-time), depending on whether the student entered with a prior Masters degree. Candidates are required to present the findings of their research at the Postgraduate Seminar prior to submission.

Confirmed Candidature (Composition)

For the PhD (composition), the folio will constitute 90-120 minutes of music and is weighted at 70%. The accompanying dissertation will be 20-25,000 words and weighted at 30%.

In addition to the consolidation of compositional output and engagement, this degree prepares composers for the demands and responsibilities of employment in the tertiary sector.

Confirmed Candidature (Music Performance)

Once confirmed, a PhD candidate undertakes supervised work that leads, in the case of the PhD (Music Performance), to a thesis normally of 20-25,000 words and a folio of performances in CD, DVD or other approved format equivalent to 3 full recitals or 210 minutes. The thesis and folio may be presented for examination after two or three years of full-time study (four to six years part-time), depending on whether the student entered with a prior Masters degree. Candidates are required to present the findings of their research in a Completion Seminar at the Conservatorium’s Postgraduate Seminar prior to submission.

The thesis and folio must be presented in a form that can be sent for assessment by external examiners who are usually international. The performance folio therefore must consist of CDs and/or DVDs created during the candidature for the purposes of fulfilling the requirements of the PhD.

Confirmed Candidature (Jazz & Improvisation, Interactive Composition)

Once confirmed, a PhD candidate undertakes supervised work that leads to a thesis normally of 40,000-50,000 words and a folio of creative work in CD, DVD or other approved format. The thesis and folio may be presented for examination after two or three years of full-time study (four to six years part-time), depending on whether the student entered with a prior Masters degree. Candidates are required to present the findings of their research in a Completion Seminar at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music prior to submission.

The thesis and folio must be presented in a form that can be sent for assessment by external examiners who are usually international.

The minimum requirement for admission to PhD candidature is a four-year honours degree from an Australian university, a Masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered by the Research Committee to be equivalent.

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music generally requires applicants to have completed a Master of Music by research (or equivalent qualification) before being eligible for admission to the PhD program. Applicants who have not met this requirement are usually advised to apply for the Master of Music with a view to applying for Conversion to PhD Candidature after 9 months of enrolment in the Master of Music.

Application Procedure

Applicants for PhD candidature should obtain information from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music about the department's research activities and potential supervisors who are qualified and available to accept PhD candidates for supervision, prior to lodging a formal application. For further information regarding the PhD in Music see the MCM degrees web page: mcm.unimelb.edu.au/study/degrees

Detailed information for prospective PhD students regarding the application process, including the application form is available at http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/applications/research.

Applicants must also meet the University’s English Language requirements .

Evidence of research ability

Applicants are normally required to have completed a research project, component, subject or group of subjects that accounts for at least 25% of their work (i.e. Honours year), or 25% of one year accumulated over the length of a Masters course, and which has, or have, been conducted, and assessed, individually. Research carried out in groups should at least have been graded individually. This project, component, or subject(s) may include:

(a) any obviously research oriented project, subject or sustained piece of scholarly writing conducted for assessment, such as small theses, research essays, long essays, or studios; AND/OR

(b) any less-obviously research subjects, including practice-based subjects such as performance or fieldwork, where there is also scholastic rigor as documented in a sustained piece of writing analogous to (a); AND/OR

(c) any subjects directed at the formation of research skills, such as methodology and reasoning, such as scientific reasoning, or legal reasoning, where a sustained piece of writing has also been produced.

PhD (Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Music Therapy, Music Psychology and Performance Science) Applications

Applicants are required to submit

• a research proposal of 2,500 words
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 4,000-5,000 words

PhD (Composition) Applications

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period. In the creative arts (including composition), a PhD thesis may take the form of a corpus of creative work plus a dissertation that aims to address, elucidate and contextualise the work. The creative work and dissertation will be examined as an integrated whole.

Eligibility

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music generally requires applicants to have completed a Master of Music by research (or equivalent qualification) before being eligible for admission to the PhD program. Successful applicants will already hold a degree in composition and typically be well on the way to developing a professional career as a composer. Representation at the Australian Music Centre (or international equivalent) would normally be expected.

Application

In addition to a proposal for the PhD folio & dissertation, applicants are required to submit two or three representative works only, including a major work of over 15 minutes duration for large acoustic ensemble (or alternative medium), equivalent to that required for Masters standard. These should include at least one notated, bound score and at least one work written in the last 2 years. Recordings of MIDI versions are not acceptable. Live or studio performances and electro-acoustic works should be submitted on CD. Applicants should discuss their submission with a member of the composition staff in person, or by email (if interstate or overseas).

Applicants should also include a list of works composed (including instrumentation, duration, and date), together with a list of any publications (scores & recordings), performances and broadcasts to date.

In addition to examples of their compositional work, applicants for the PhD in composition are required to submit a substantial piece of scholarly writing with their application.

PhD (Music Performance) Applications

Applicants for the PhD (Music Performance) degree are required to submit, in addition to the standard application form:

• a thesis proposal of 2-3 pages. The research proposal should outline how the applicant intends to use recorded performances to illustrate his or her research in the final PhD submission.
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 4-5000 words;
• a DVD of a single unedited recital of approximately 70 minutes’ duration consisting of major repertoire for the instrument on which he or she intends to undertake the performance component. A live audition of approximately 70 minutes’ duration might also be required.
• a list of repertoire performed for examination in prior tertiary music qualifications.

Applicants should have completed MUSI40064 The Research Process for Musicians or equivalent with a result of H2A or above or may be required to take a research methodology subject in the first semester of their enrolment.

PhD (Jazz & Improvisation)

Applicants for the PhD (Jazz & Improvisation) degree are required to submit, in addition to the standard application form:

• a research proposal of 2,000 words

Applicants will be interviewed and must demonstrate a very high standard of artistic ability via a live performance or live performance recordings.

PhD (Interactive Composition)

Applicants for the PhD (Interactive Composition) degree are required to submit, in addition to the standard application form:

• a research proposal of 2,000 words

Applicants will be interviewed and must demonstrate a very high standard of artistic ability via a folio of original works. The folio must contain recordings of 4 of your original composition at a total duration of 20 minutes. This can include audio visual recordings of your original music from any source such as: pop songs, concert music, band music, laptop performance, hip hop rapping, music theatre music, film music, or music for dance or other media, such as music for games, advertising and web use. If appropriate include music scores and/or charts depending on your background.

All PhD candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 12 months full-time (24 months part-time) advanced study and research in the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a PhD awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research throughout candidature.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Candidates who do not have the appropriate research methodology background may be advised to take either of the following Research Methodology subjects in the first semester of their candidature: MUSI90134 Applied Research Methods in Music Or MUSI90022 Introduction to Music Research 1.

Doctoral degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research work.

The University expects its doctoral graduates to have the following qualities and skills:

• an advanced ability to initiate research and to formulate viable research questions;
• a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report sustained and original research;
• the capacity to contextualise research within an international corpus of specialist knowledge;
• an advanced ability to evaluate and synthesize research-based and scholarly literature;
• an advanced understanding of key disciplinary and multi-disciplinary norms and perspectives relevant to the field;
• highly developed problem-solving abilities and flexibility of approach;
• the ability to analyse critically within and across a changing disciplinary environment;
• the capacity to disseminate the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication to a variety of audiences;
• a capacity to cooperate with and respect the contributions of fellow researchers and scholars;
• a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship;
• an advanced facility in the management of information, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student's field of study;
• an understanding of the relevance and value of their research to national and international communities of scholars and collaborators;
• an awareness where appropriate of issues related to intellectual property management and the commercialisation of innovation; and
• an ability to formulate applications to relevant agencies, such as funding bodies and ethics committees.

The University provides a variety of opportunities in addition to the supervised research program, to facilitate students' acquisition of these attributes.

Application Procedure
Detailed information for prospective PhD students regarding the application process, including the application form is available at http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/applications/research.

PhD Researchers have a supervisory panel including a Principal Supervisor who will be their primary contact and mentor throughout the course. You should nominate a potential supervisor on your application, and contact them about your research proposal before submitting your application. You can find a potential research supervisor by reviewing the research interests and expertise of our academic staff on the Faculty of the VCA&MCM staff profiles.

Applications are accepted year-round, however, the main admissions round is at the end of the year and the deadline is October 31.

Which scholarship can I apply for?
Students can find information about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne at the Melbourne Scholarships Office.