Doctor of Musical Arts in Integrative Studies in La Jolla United States | University of California, San Diego

Drawing from diverse academic disciplines such as critical theory, cultural studies, ethnomusicology, cognitive music research, digital media studies, sound ecology, and environmental humanities, the IS curriculum bridges contemporary musical practice with theoretical frameworks that illuminate its essence, creation, dissemination, and interpretation. By engaging with multidisciplinary approaches, students develop the capacity for groundbreaking research and artistic expression. This integrative program values diverse epistemological traditions and fosters creative intersections across academic fields and musical genres. Participants in the program seamlessly navigate between academic research, live performance, spontaneous creation, sonic environments, musical writing, instrument design, and other innovative practices. Students learn to contextualize knowledge and skills within both local and global frameworks, producing impactful academic discourse and artistic projects that acknowledge the ethical considerations and possibilities of our interconnected global society.