The graduate program trains students to develop original scholarship of their own by providing them a strong disciplinary base and also encouraging creative approaches.
The following guidelines pertain to graduate work in Composition, Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Performance Practice in the Duke University Department of Music. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for the Bulletin of the Graduate School, to which students should refer for further information about Graduate School procedures and requirements.
Information on this website regarding facilities and services, fellowships, exam deadlines and the academic calendar reflects the normal order of an academic year and is subject to change. News about the status of Biddle Music Building and Biddle Music Library is regularly mailed to students, faculty, and staff, and we will make every effort to keep you informed. Thank you for your patience and awareness.
| Web Page | Description |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Examination / First-Year Oral | The Diagnostic Examination for Composition and Musicology students is administered to entering students each year during exam week at the end of the fall semester. The First-Year Oral Examination will be administered to all Ethnomusicology students. These examinations are intended to ascertain student’s level of musicianship skills, and identify areas in need of practice. This information helps the faculty to prepare students adequately for careers in teaching and research. |
| Foreign Language Requirement | Composition and Ethnomusicology doctoral students must demonstrate reading knowledge in one foreign language. Musicology doctoral students must demonstrate reading knowledge in two foreign languages. |
| Qualifying Examination | For Composition, the Qualifying Examination is taken by all students at the beginning of the second semester of the second year. For Musicology, the Qualifying Examination is divided into two parts, with Part 1 taken at the end of semester four and Part 2 at the beginning of semester five. For Ethnomusicology, the mini-portfolio is submitted at the end of the first year of study. All doctoral candidates must pass the qualifying examination in order to continue study in the doctoral program. |
| Preliminary Examination | The Preliminary Exam may include written and oral exams, a portfolio of compositions or a dissertation prospectus, depending on your doctoral program. |
| Dissertation & Final Examination | Your dissertation is the culmination of your doctoral work and will represent an original contribution to your field. The final exam may include an oral presentation focused on your dissertation work. |
| Teaching Assistantships | Best practices for your work as a teaching assistant. |
| Registration Requirements | Registration requirements, policies, and procedures, including leaves of absence and annual reports. |
| Facilities and Services | Facilities and services available in the Music Department. |
| Departmental Series, Ensembles, and Instrument Collection | Guide to the various lecture series, ensembles, and collections available to Duke graduate students in Music. |
| Graduate Student Representatives | The Music Graduate Student Association (MGSA) is the organ for self-governance and collective advocacy for graduate students in Music. This page describes its officers who communicate with the Music Department and the broader Duke Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG). |
| DGS and Advising | What to expect from the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and your adviser. |
| Job Search Best Practices | Tips for searching for that first job, preparing for an interview, and developing your application letter. |
| Requesting Space and Scheduling Recitals | Procedures for scheduling and publicizing recitals on Duke's campus. |
| Professional Development | Useful professional development programs at Duke. |
| Quick Links | |
|---|---|
| Graduate School Policies & Forms Committee approval, prelim outcome form, course withdrawal, and more | Duke International Student Center (DISC) Events, community support, networking and resources |
| Visa Services Office CPT, OPT, travel abroad & reentry | The Bursar Tuition & fees info, payment options, tax info |
| The Duke Card Login to check or add to your Flex balance | Duke@Work Log in to look at your pay statements. |