CGU’s PhD in Musicology provides a thorough grounding in music performance, composition, theory, and scholarship to support your pursuit of a variety of music careers, ranging from the academic to the professional.
This degree program balances music performance with scholarship by employing a curriculum that emphasizes music in its interdisciplinary, cultural, and intellectual contexts. A faculty of highly trained performers and scholars with diverse interests (from musicology to performance to composition) will serve as your mentors as you develop comprehensive training in music literature, historical style analysis, and performance practices with the most recent analytical methodologies. You will join a long list of accomplished graduates who have gone on to varied musical careers, including college and university professors, members of professional ensembles, music directors in churches, and solo performing artists.
Program Highlights
The Music Department puts on an array of concerts that offer ample performance opportunities.
Studio faculty are drawn from The Claremont Colleges and the outstanding pool of musicians in the greater Los Angeles area.
Historical performance practice programs connect you with period instruments that include three harpsichords, a fortepiano, a chamber organ, and various stringed instruments.
Program at a Glance
UNITS
72 units
ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME*
3–5 years
*Actual completion times will vary and may be higher, depending on full- or part-time course registration, units transferred, and time to complete other degree requirements.
Addresses the conceptual roots of romanticism, early uses of the term as well as its influence, the period of time customarily assigned to this “era” for the study of music history, and repertory.
MUSIC 406
20th Century
Surveys concert music literature in Europe and the United States from approximately 1900 to the present, focusing on musical style and structure during this period and the many remarkable changes that occurred in the last century.
Music 499
Doctoral Study
Enables students to complete their dissertations and other requirements for the degree.
MUSIC 303
Interdisciplinary Music Criticism & Cross-Cultural Aesthetics
Introduces the study of aesthetics, its historical basis and vocabulary of concepts as well as the application of these concepts specifically to music in the late eighteenth century.
MUSIC 311A
Application of Music Technology I
Explores music technology, the basics of MIDI and audio, music notation software, digital audio workstations and sequencing software, and music sample libraries.
Additional Program Requirements
Qualifying Examinations
All music students are required to take written and oral qualifying examinations at regularly scheduled, posted times during the academic year.
Participation and Attendance
All students are encouraged to take part in the performance groups of the Claremont Colleges.
Language and Research Tool Requirements
You can satisfy the research tools requirement by qualifying in:
One language–MA in musicology, composition, or instrumental performance
Two languages–MA in voice or choral conducting, DMA, and PhD
A good reading knowledge of the chosen language(s) with special regard to writings on musical subjects (German, French, or Italian if MA; German and either French, Italian, or Latin if PhD; any two of the four if DMA).
You can fulfill the language tool requirement by demonstrating competency at translating an approved language into English.
Recitals and Projects
All recitals and projects must be approved by the Music Department.
Capstone Project
For those who write music, the culmination of their CGU music education is the opportunity to present an original composition. Though there is no strictly prescribed form, in most cases, work will involve orchestra or large ensemble (soloists, choral forces, or electronics as additional components are possibilities). Whether you write and perform a symphony or concerto, it’s the best way to test and establish your musical vision.
Faculty & Research
Robert Zappulla
Professor of Music
Fred W. Smith and Grace Hobson Smith Chair in Music
Chair, Department of Music
Research Interests
Harpsichord, Historical performance practices, Baroque music
Piano, Fortepiano, 18th & 19th-century performance practices, 20th century atonal piano compositions, digital keyboard laboratory, the board of directors of Los Angeles Master Chorale: Education Committee and Gala Host Committee
