Music Theory Department

PhD Major Field Examination

The major field examination in music theory consists of an eight-hour written examination and an oral examination lasting up to two hours. The written examination is taken following the completion of coursework. The oral examination is taken after all major and minor-field written examinations have been passed. The dissertation topic proposal must be approved before the oral exam is scheduled. All qualifying exams must be completed within one calendar year.

The student's doctoral advisory committee is responsible for writing and grading the examination. Students are encouraged to consult with members of the committee about any aspects of the examination. Important information on the timing and scheduling of qualifying exams is available through Advising and Records Services.

Written Exam Format

Beginning fall 2007, the major field exam will have the following format. There will be four questions, one on each of the following topics: (1) the history of music theory, (2) theory and analysis of tonal music, (3) theory and analysis of post-tonal music, and (4) a topic whose focus is determined by the student's advisory committee in consultation with the student. The fourth question may be on a specialized area that has been the subject of one or more T658 seminars the student has taken, or on a topic that is being developed for the dissertation proposal.

At least two of the questions will be based on specific musical compositions. The advisory committee will provide scores for those questions two weeks before the scheduled examination. The music will be picked up either from the chair of the advisory committee or from the departmental secretary, as arranged. The committee may identify the pieces in advance and may give specific instructions on what to prepare (research on the music, analyses following one or more particular methods, etc.). The student will NOT be permitted to bring notes or annotated scores to the examination, however; clean copies will be provided at that time.

Oral Exam Format

The focus of the oral exam is left to the discretion of the members of the advisory committee. It may follow up on questions from the written exam (or the student's responses to them) or may cover new topics.