PhD in Ethnomusicology in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The ethnomusicology graduate program provides comprehensive education in the discipline's intellectual foundations, theoretical frameworks, field research methods, ethnographic practices, analytical techniques, and regional specializations. Our ethnomusicology scholars enjoy collaborative opportunities with musicology and composition faculty and peers, while establishing interdisciplinary foundations through mandatory coursework in performance studies, anthropology, critical theory, and cultural studies. We encourage applications from students passionate about investigating music within societal frameworks. Our program excels in research on traditional and contemporary musical traditions of the Americas, Indonesia, and Africa, with theoretical concentrations encompassing race, gender, performance theory, religious studies, political dimensions, and music analysis. The intimate scale of our graduate cohort fosters strong mentoring connections between students and faculty advisors.

UC Davis's Music Department features four advanced degree options. Three culminate in Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) qualifications, specializing in musicology, ethnomusicology, or composition and theory. Musicology concentrates on stylistic examination and critical interpretation across historical eras, research methodology development, scholarly publishing, career preparation, and theoretical applications. Ethnomusicology delivers instruction in disciplinary theories, research methodologies, ethnographic documentation, analytical processes, and historical perspectives. Composition and theory focuses on tonal and modern music analysis, alongside creative composition through diverse techniques and approaches. Candidates may opt to obtain a Master of Arts degree during their doctoral studies.