PhD in Music - Musicology in Toronto Canada | University of Toronto

The Faculty of Music launched its graduate degree program in 1954. The music theory graduate program blends academic rigor with a close-knit community, maintaining strong connections to Musicology and Ethnomusicology. This creates a dynamic, welcoming, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere that draws exceptional students for both the coursework-focused MA and research-driven PhD in music theory. Students enjoy access to visiting scholars through biweekly colloquiums, graduate discussions, and annual events like Form Forum. All music theory graduate students receive UofT's substantial standard funding and gain professional development through teaching and research positions.
Musicology explores music from all perspectives. More than just performance and composition, it helps musicians grasp music's cultural importance, historical evolution, and contemporary relevance. Students study musical styles, compositional techniques, develop research and analytical abilities, and learn to articulate musical ideas effectively. UofT's musicology faculty is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse research approaches, and commitment to nurturing students' critical thinking and writing skills. Undergraduates establish a musical knowledge base through two years of core music history and world music courses. Advanced students can specialize in Music History or Theory, or combine both, within the Mus.Bac. program's flexible Music History and Theory major.
Graduate musicology studies at UofT offer an ideal blend of academic prestige, small program advantages, and strong connections to Music Theory and Ethnomusicology. This fosters an energetic, collegial environment that attracts outstanding MA and PhD candidates. Beyond specialized seminars, students benefit from guest lectures, regular colloquiums, interdisciplinary discussions, and campus-wide events. All musicology graduate students receive UofT's comprehensive funding package and acquire professional experience through teaching and research opportunities.