PhD in Music Theory in Cambridge United States | Harvard University

The PhD in music theory combines rigorous study of musical structures with broader explorations of music's philosophical, cultural, and psychological dimensions. Our program mirrors students' interdisciplinary curiosity by examining connections between music theory and other critical disciplines. In 2018, we completely redesigned the graduate curriculum to address the evolving demands facing today's music theorists. Doctoral candidates pursue remarkably varied dissertation topics that bridge historical and contemporary perspectives. Current research explores subjects ranging from 19th-century microtonality and colonial influences to musical forensics, recomposition techniques, Scandinavian metal, film music analysis, and early 20th-century visual-musical relationships. Many students enhance their interdisciplinary approach by pursuing secondary specializations beyond music. The program strengthens research foundations through intensive musicianship and analysis training, particularly during the first year. Core coursework includes Schenkerian theory, tonal/post-tonal analysis, and contemporary field debates, while also prompting students to contextualize these methods within music theory's broader framework. Supplementary courses in psychology, temporality, music theory history, hermeneutics, and aesthetics frequently venture into interdisciplinary domains. Alongside canonical works, we examine challenging repertoires like modal theory, global musical traditions, and avant-garde composition to push disciplinary boundaries. Our weekly TheoryTuesdays workshop offers informal forums for discussing current projects, practicing analytical methods, and exploring disciplinary questions. Faculty actively collaborate with Harvard's interdisciplinary centers (MBB, Medieval Studies, CES, HUCE), while the cutting-edge Sound Lab facilitates digital/media research and connects music theory with sound studies.