Cornell University Fully Funded PhD in Music and Sound Studies

PhD @Cornell University posted 5 hours ago

Job Description

Cornell University offers a fully funded Ph.D. program in Music and Sound Studies through its Department of Music, situated within the College of Arts and Sciences. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students interested in exploring music through various lenses, including historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and sound studies.

Program Overview

Degree: Ph.D. in Music and Sound Studies
Institution: Cornell University
School: College of Arts and Sciences
Program Structure: Full-time, typically completed in 5–6 years
Areas of Study:
- Historical Musicology
- Ethnomusicology
- Music Theory
- Sound Studies
- Popular Music Studies
- Media and Cultural Studies

The program emphasizes flexibility and interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Students work closely with a Special Committee of faculty advisors to design their coursework and research trajectory. The curriculum encourages engagement with diverse methodologies and perspectives, fostering a comprehensive understanding of music and sound in various cultural contexts.

Funding Package

All admitted Ph.D. students receive comprehensive financial support for five years, which includes:

Tuition and Fees: Full coverage for five academic years.
Stipend: Annual stipend to support living expenses.
Health Insurance: Fully subsidized health insurance coverage.

The funding structure typically includes:

Two years of fellowship support (usually in the first and fifth years).
Three years of teaching assistantships.
Summer funding for four summers.

Additional opportunities for funding may be available through external fellowships and grants. Students are encouraged to apply for such opportunities to supplement their funding and support their research endeavors.

Admission Requirements

Academic Background: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in music or a related field from an accredited institution.
Application Materials:
- Completed online application form through the Cornell Graduate School.
- Academic Statement of Purpose detailing research interests and career goals.
- Personal Statement.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members acquainted with your work.
- Two essays (term or honors papers), preferably one on a broad topic in music studies and the other showing detailed study of specific music or recorded sound.
- Evidence of foreign language study.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers.
- Optional: A recorded performance on a musical instrument or as a singer.