The PhD in Music is offered by the Don Wright Faculty of Music and leads to an original contribution to the field through one of four areas of specialization: composition, music education, musicology, or music theory. The program is thesis-based and full-time, structured over 12 terms (four years), drawing on a wide range of research and creative methodologies within an active intellectual and creative environment. Admission requirements, which vary by specialization, are detailed separately for each of the four areas. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's general graduate English proficiency standard. The application deadline is December 1, with acceptance decisions issued in early March. Graduates are prepared for careers in composition, teaching, musicological or theoretical research, and related creative and academic fields, drawing on close supervision from faculty across the four specializations.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:70.00 / %
Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a Master's degree in the chosen specialization (Composition, Music Education, Music Theory, or Musicology) or the equivalent, with a minimum 70% average in the Master's degree. Required application materials include a one-page statement of interest, a current resume or CV, transcripts from all institutions attended, and three academic references, plus specialization-specific materials (for example a portfolio of scores and instrumental recordings for Composition, a teaching video with reflective essays for Music Education, or research essays for Music Theory and Musicology). Applicants whose first language is not English must also meet Western's graduate English proficiency standard (IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 86).
