PhD in Music Admission

PhD Music is a doctoral course that takes around 3-5 years to complete. The course includes every aspect of Music and allows you to research something new in the field of Music. PhD Music is considered a great choice for those who have exceptional skills in music and have the ability to conduct extensive research. A wide range of career opportunities come along the way when you opt for PhD Music. From Music Producer to Music Teacher, PhD Music has a lot to offer. Top Universities around the world offer the program, from Harvard University in the United States to the University of Delhi in India. Are you a melomaniac? Are you going to graduate with a Music Degree? Do you want to go for the highest level of degree in Music? If yes, then here’s everything you need to know about PhD Music.

PhD Music What Is It About?

PhD Music is one of the highest academic degrees in the field of music. The important points regarding this course are discussed below :

The course duration is three to five years. It is pursued full-time.

The intensive program is research-based and inculcates the ability to undertake research work and translate them for application in the music arena.

The course helps students to become independent learners and researchers in music. The course focuses on developing the leadership skills to play active roles at the global level.

The students enhance their skills in music, work on their research, and publish their findings in journals. Students are trained to prepare presentations on music and deliver them.

PhD courses are flexible for students, they are required to undergo internships in research and teaching. Emphasis is laid on providing rich experiences to students with desired skills in varied areas of music to become equipped for their professional life.

Why Should You Study PhD Music?

Students can choose PhD Music due to the following advantages:

A PhD degree offers a wide range of employment opportunities. One of the most sought-after jobs for a PhD degree holder is of a lecturer or a professor in a university or a researcher in most fields. 

Along with this, a PhD degree holder can get a job in publishing houses, educational institutes, law firms, consultancy, etc. A doctorate degree can carry a lot of weight in the teaching job industry and those who have their PhD are considered to be the experts in their field.

Doctoral students work in close contact with one or more leading researchers in their field as well as participating in programs of skills training and colloquia; there are also opportunities to gain experience in teaching. 

The average salary earned by the candidates after completing this course ranges between INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000, but it will increase with the candidate’s experience and skill sets. 

Candidates having an in-depth knowledge mastery over the music subject can be extremely successful in their careers and earn up to INR 10,00,000 per annum. 

Admission Process for the PhD Music Course?

Admission to PhD Music programs can be either through entrance examination or merit-based. Most universities conduct an interview process for the final selection of the candidates. Applications for admissions can be availed either from the University website or by visiting the Admissions Office of the same. Candidates need to fill out the required details according to the existing documents.

Merit-Based Admission

Candidates shall fill up the application form of their desired college either online or by downloading it, filling it up offline and sending to the college address. 

Candidates should fill correct information (specially marks obtained in their last education qualification) and send the form along with the documents for verification. 

The application fee can be submitted either online or through Demand Draft as per the college requirements. 

The college declares the list of the selected students based on the marks of the qualifying examination. 

Entrance Based Admission 

Candidates should fill up the application forms. 

Candidates then sit for the entrance exams. 

College declares the list of the students selected for further rounds of Interviews. 

Candidates have to undergo the interview process post which the college comes up with the list of final selects. 

Few entrance exams are LPUNEST, RET, UGC-NET etc. 

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to PhD Music Course?

Candidates wishing to pursue PhD Music need to have completed the below-mentioned eligibility criteria:

The candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Music or any equivalent course with a minimum 50% aggregate marks. 

The candidates should possess a passion for pursuing research work in music.

Admissions are based on varied criteria such as a student's capability for the music profession and its program.

Which are the Top PhD Music Entrance Exams?

Many colleges across the country follow entrance exam scores for selecting students for PhD Music. Some of these PhD entrance exams are explained below.

UGC-NET: UGC-NET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by NTA in order to select candidates for the assistant professor position and PhD course admission. 

LPUNEST: Lovely Professional University conducts this entrance examination for admission to various courses offered by the university including PhD courses.

How to Prepare for PhD Music Entrance Exams?

To get into a good PhD Music college, preparation is of utmost importance. Below are some points mentioning as to how candidates can prepare for the entrance examinations:

Syllabus: Students must go through the syllabus of the course and mark all the important topics from Syllabus. 

Revise important topics: Revise all the important topics from the syllabus. Make sure to solve all questions that are related to the important topics.

Exam Pattern: Understand the exam pattern carefully; usually the exam has two sections – one section contains general objective type questions and the other section contains questions related to the concerned subject.

Practice Previous Year’s Question Papers: Solve previous year’s question paper so that you can get used to the question and it will also help in increasing your speed as the exam will be in online mode.

Mock Test: Candidates can solve and give the online mock test at the official website. It will increase efficiency and speed and will boost up your confidence.

Subjects Taught During PhD Music Course

Below we have mentioned the most important topics included in the coursework of this course.

1. Research Methodology
2. Meaning and Sources of Research in Indian Music
3. Ragas and Khayalas 
4. Meaning of Research
5. Area of Research in Music
6. Selections of Problems
7. Hypothesis
8. Data Collection
9. Sources
10. Methods
11. Tools of Research in Music
12. Methods of Research in Music - Historical Method, Survey Method, Experimental Method
13. Case Study
14. Analysis of data, Interpretation and Conclusion
15. Preparation of Synopsis, Writing Research Report
16. Vocal Music: Elaborate treatment of vilamvita and Drute Khayalas on any five Ragas, Brief Treatment with one Composition of remaining Ragas.
17. Instrumental Music: Elaborate treatment of Masitkhani and Razakhani Gat in any five Ragas, Brief treatment with one Composition of the rest of Ragas.
18. Teaching Methods in Music Education
19. Dissertation and Viva - Voce
20. Performance and Viva – Voce

Job Profiles and Career Options are Available for PhD Music Candidates

A PhD Music program prepares students to teach secondary and postsecondary music classes. Students can look in the opportunities related to Music Producer, Music Therapist, Musician, Private Music Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Sound Designer, Sound Engineer, Sound Technician, etc.

Music Producer

Music Therapist

Musician

Private Music Teacher

Sound Designer

Sound Engineer

Future Scope After Completing PhD Music?

After pursuing PhD Music, candidates can find job opportunities in many fields, both in India as well as in foreign nations. 

The job roles include those of Music Producer, Music Therapist, Musician, Private Music Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Sound Designer, Sound Engineer, Sound Technician, etc.

PhD Music students can often choose to do further research on music theory, composition, education, or conducting, with programs providing the gateway to various musical careers and freelance opportunities.

Candidates with this degree can find a wide range of opportunities in varied sectors and different domains across the globe like a vocalist, instrumentalist, researcher, etc.

They can also become Sound Engineer and Sound Producers and open their own music studio in future.