When will I take Comprehensive Exams, and what exams are required?
Comprehensive exams are taken at the beginning of the third year of Scholastic Residence. Details of required exams can be found on in the Graduate Curriculum.
What are the language exam requirements?
Students in the History or Ethnomusicology programs must pass three languages; students in Theory, two; and students in Composition, one. Language examinations require the student to translate about 400 words of a passage of medium difficulty from source materials or musicological literature. More information can be found in the language exam section of the Graduate Curriculum.
What Practicum exams will I have to take, and when?
Practicum examinations in basic musicianship skills and advanced musicianship skills are required for all PhD tracks. Composers and theorists must complete six musicianship examinations, including three basic skills and three advanced skills; ethnomusicologists and musicologists must complete four, including two basic skills and two advanced skills. Details of the exams can be found here, and copies of exams from previous years are available for students to reference in the Main Office. Practicum exams must be completed before admission to candidacy.
What if I already have an MA degree?
Students who enter the program with an MA in Music (or equivalent degree) from a different institution may, in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, opt for one of two tracks. Under Track 1, the standard number of required courses will be reduced as outlined in each program description below, and the Comprehensive Examinations will be taken in the summer before the second year. Under Track 2, students will complete the standard two-year curriculum for their area of study and take the Comprehensive Examinations in the summer before their third year. Further information can be found in the Graduate Curriculum.
Find additional information in the Music Graduate Student Handbook.