PhD in Creative Practice and Critical Inquiry in Cambridge United States | Harvard University

The Creative Practice and Critical Inquiry (CPCI) program offers a unique pathway for outstanding artist-scholars who combine creative and academic pursuits. Participants may identify as composer-performers with research-driven practices or as scholars whose musical activities fuel their intellectual work. Applicants must articulate their scholarly objectives, artistic background, research aims, and provide samples of their creative output, demonstrating how their work bridges disciplines. The initial two years involve exploring diverse academic fields while developing artistic practice. Enrollees can access all graduate-level Music Department courses, approved interdisciplinary classes from other departments, and performance-based instruction (including composition, improvisation, experimental music, and cross-disciplinary projects). Following the second academic year, students complete three to four tailored examinations during summer: a creative portfolio, written tests on theoretical/analytical and historical/cultural subjects aligned with their research focus, plus a comprehensive oral examination.