Overview
Features
Instruction in Composition comprises much of the course requirement; such instruction takes the form of private lessons. Participation in the concert life of the department and attendance at Composers’ Forum events complement that instruction. Students are assigned to particular instructors for composition lessons by the Director of Graduate Studies on the advice of the composition faculty.
Composition instructors are assigned on a rotating basis to assure that all students are exposed to a variety of approaches and have the opportunity to work with each member of the composition faculty during the period of coursework.
The Department of Music at the University of Pennsylvania also offers a Ph.D. program in Music Studies, and composition students also take several courses with the music studies faculty during their coursework.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Creative and Compositional Approaches
- Historical and Historiographic Approaches
- Ethnographic and Anthropological Approaches
- Analytical and Theoretical Approaches
- Composition Methods
- Composing with Instruments
- Composing with Electronics
- Composing with Performers
- Composition Studio and Forum
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 60 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Music Composition View 46 other PhDs in Music Composition in United StatesAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Student insurance
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- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
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Other requirements
General requirements
- A personal statement of approximately 1,000 words. The statement should: 1) tell us about your reasons for applying and your relevant prior experience; 2) describe the area(s) of study and debate in which you are interested; and 3) address your particular interest in our program.
- A critical writing sample of approximately 20-30 double-spaced pages. For Musicologists, Ethnomusicologist, and Theorists: The writing sample must match your interest/concentration.
- Composers should submit a shorter paper of approximately 15 pages as part of their application in addition to scores and (if possible) a PDF or Word Document linking to recordings of recent compositions.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Electronic versions of your academic transcripts.
Tuition Fee
-
International
41544 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 41544 USD per year during 60 months. -
National
41544 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 41544 USD per year during 60 months. -
In-State
41544 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 41544 USD per year during 60 months.
Some programs offer full funding, covering tuition for 4-5 years and providing a $38,000 stipend.
Living costs for Philadelphia
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Composition.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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