PhD in Critical Music Studies in Stony Brook United States | Stony Brook University, SUNY

The Department of Music provides degree programs primarily culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy in Music History and Theory or Composition, as well as Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Music Performance. Master's degree options include Music History and Theory, Composition, and Music Performance. These programs stem from a unique collaboration between academic and conservatory traditions. Our faculty excels across diverse musical disciplines including music history, theory, ethnomusicology, composition, and performance. The curriculum fosters interdisciplinary connections between traditionally distinct musical fields. Performance programs incorporate academic coursework, and graduate classes often include students from various specializations. Many courses feature collaborative teaching approaches, exploring subjects through multiple perspectives. Some investigate music within wider societal frameworks, incorporating insights from ethnomusicology, cultural studies, and gender theory. Cross-disciplinary learning forms the foundation of our educational approach. We support students in cultivating expertise across multiple musical domains. Doctoral candidates pursuing both performance and another specialization can explore various pathways, including combined degree opportunities.