PhD in Music- Composition in Honolulu United States | University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu United States
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Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD 33,648
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months

As a pioneer in the growing discipline of cross-cultural composition, the University of Hawaii at Mānoa's composition program immerses students in both Western classical traditions and diverse global musical influences that are redefining contemporary music.

The curriculum builds robust technical skills while fostering students' individual creative identities. Through mentorship with multiple faculty composers, students gain diverse artistic perspectives and tailored guidance to support their personal growth as emerging composers.

With its innovative intercultural approach and exceptional resources, UH Mānoa delivers an unparalleled educational opportunity in musical composition.


Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty and ideal climate, Hawaii boasts a vibrant multicultural population representing global traditions. Honolulu's significant East Asian communities offer particular opportunities to explore Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cultural heritage.

The composition program leverages both its university setting and local community connections, synergizing with the renowned ethnomusicology department's focus on Asian and Pacific music traditions. Students can join diverse ensembles including Koto, Gamelan, Hawaiian Chorus, and Western classical groups like Orchestra and Chamber Music.

The program also provides unique access to skilled performers of traditional Asian instruments - from guzheng to taiko - offering composition students exceptional collaborative opportunities unmatched at other U.S. institutions.

Honolulu's contemporary music scene centers around the composition program, which actively partners with local and international artists to present concerts. Regular performances of faculty works demonstrate professional composer-performer collaborations for students.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 6.0

Qualification Requirements

applicants for admission to the PhD program must present:

a master's degree in music (in the area of emphasis) or equivalent,
an excellent academic record,
two copies of a transcript from each post secondary institution attended
(official transcripts sent directly from the institution in a sealed institutional envelope must be submitted after the student is admitted, transcripts are not required for any coursework completed at any of the UH campuses since Graduate Admissions will obtain UH transcripts on behalf of applicants.),
three confidential letters of recommendation (not more than two years old) on forms provided by the music department,
a sample of academic writing proficiency such as a recent term paper, and
for non-native speakers of English a TOEFL score of 560 or better.
Graduate Division requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for unconditional admissio
Applicants who are not native speakers of English must take the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) and have the TOEFL score sent directly to the University of Hawaii at Mnoa. Paper-based (P), computer-based (C), and internet-based (I) minimum requirements for UH Music are:
560(P), 220(C), or 83(I) for all PhD students, and IELTS- Minimum score is 6.00 for the IELTS Academic overall band test results

Tuition USD 33,648

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