Music (Music Learning and Teaching), PhD
Education, Educator, Research, conducting, music, teaching
Join one of the most innovative programs in the United States. Prepare yourself for a career as a leader in music learning and teaching by developing your skills as a flexible musician, an innovative practitioner, an inquisitive thinker and a leader to make a difference in the lives of your students and community.
The PhD in music with a concentration in music learning and teaching is a world-class degree for musician-teacher-scholars who seek careers in musical and educational leadership. Students are immersed in an inclusive and multifaceted community of dynamic partnerships and research and teaching collaborations. They work with faculty on creative projects that lead to independent and co-authored research publications, creative projects and professional presentations.
The program includes specialized study in music education, elective studies with scholars and artists in the Herberger Institute, and opportunities for transdisciplinary elective study with faculty and colleges across ASU. A plan of study is designed by the student in consultation with the faculty to support the student's career trajectory. Typical projects interrogate and broaden discourse and practice in music education, and challenge methodological and disciplinary boundaries to imagine what could be. The program concludes with dissertation research that springboards to the next phase of their careers.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
90 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (10 credit hours) Concentration (30 credit hours) Electives (29 credit hours) Research (6 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives. When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet located at the bottom of the school's degree page.
MSI 601 Contemporary Topics in Music Research (2)
MSI 602 Current Issues in Music Research (2)
MSI 755 Historical Research in Music (3)
MTC 520 Analytical Techniques (3)
MUE 784 Internship (3)
MUE 799 Dissertation (12)
Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students prior to enrollment in the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply if they have earned a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country that is officially recognized by that country.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- School of Music, Dance and Theatre application (including curriculum vitae, personal statement and a writing sample)
- official transcripts
- teaching demonstration video
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances. In order to meet English proficiency requirements, students should have a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80, or an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5, or a Pearson Test of English score of at least 60. More information about English proficiency requirements is available on the Admission Services website.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Students should see the program website for more information on application deadlines. To ensure prompt processing of application, students should email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu after submitting an application. An interview with the music learning and teaching doctoral faculty in person or via electronic media is scheduled after review of application materials.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Design individual teaching practices that are appropriate to a beginning faculty position in music education at college level.
- Implement a major independent research project that makes a unique contribution to the field of music learning and teaching.
- Apply research methods to conduct independent research.
Graduates have many possible career options and pathways.
Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching, researching and arts advocacy are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship and the focused discipline needed for success as musicians are all highly valued by a wide range of companies and professions.
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music. Graduates become scholars, researchers, music and arts administrators, and public policy advisors to education and arts organizations or civic and governmental groups.
Career examples include:
- arts administrator
- community arts advocate
- community arts educator
- performing musician
- public or community school teacher
- teaching artist
- university professor
- worship music leader
- youth development facilitator
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
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MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
