PhD (Music Performance)
Course Overview
Candidates for this degree will be able to pursue the practice and theory of making music performances within a critically and theoretically informed framework. The degree is assessed by three recitals of approximately 120 minutes in total and an exegesis of 25,000 – 30,000 words.
By researching significant issues in practice, its contexts, its aesthetic elements and its theoretical influences, and embodying the results of this research in a live public performance, candidates will demonstrate that they have utilised advanced methodologies of practice as research in performance, developed an understanding of the intersections of theory and practice in the performing arts, advanced the field of practice-based research with an original contribution to knowledge and practice, enhanced their skills in practical performance work, and developed their awareness of the demands of professional practice.
Entry Requirements
The minimum qualifications for admission to PhD candidature are:
- a four year Australian or New Zealand bachelors degree with an overall result of H2A or above (normally with a research component in the fourth year) or
- an Australian or New Zealand masters preliminary qualification with a significant research component and with an overall result of H2A or above or
- an Australian or New Zealand coursework masters degree with a significant research component graded at Distinction or above, and an overall result of H2A or above or
- an Australian or New Zealand research masters degree with an overall result of H2A or above or
- a qualification considered equivalent to one of the above (a minimum of a Bachelors degree with substantial professional experience in the field in the form of publications, performances and collaborations that may be evaluated by a group of peers who are experts in their respective fields).
An explanation of the grades H2A (70+) and Distinction is available from the Monash University Grading Scale Policy.
If you apply as an International Student, you will also need to check the following pages:
Applying
All applicants must submit evidence of practical work in the field which will include the following:
- A representative selection of the candidate's performance work, in the practice genre in which the candidate's proposes to work (i.e Audio and/or visual recordings and performance highlights from the last 24 months).
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A research proposal of 2-3 pages addressing the following headings:
- Research question
- Background to the research
- Aims of the research
- Methodologies of the research
- Examples of comparative practice as research and associated literature
- Proposed structure of the performance project.
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A covering letter explaining the candidate's interest in the degree and a CV outlining the candidate's professional interests, previous performance projects, and publication if any.
Auditions are compulsory. In the case of overseas or interstate students, a video recording of a performance will be accepted for considerations of entry in lieu of an audition. With regard to the audition process, 2 (two) references are required from referees who can speak to both an applicant's academic training as well as performance abilities.
See the How to Apply for an Arts PhD page.