PhD in Ethnomusicology

Ethnomusicology at Stanford prepares students to study sound, listening, and musical practices in diverse social and cultural contexts. Intensive training in fieldwork and ethnographic methods as well as critical theory, performance studies, anthropology, and area studies are central to the program. A vital aspect of students’ experience is collaboration with historical musicology, composition, EuroAmerican music theory, and creative music-making. 

Below you will find a chart with the placement of the major milestones for your career as a doctoral student in ethnomusicology.  Please note that each of the major milestones and recommended/required coursework for the degree plan are discussed and defined more elaborately in the Department of Music Graduate Handbook.

Milestones and Examinations

Year One
  • Autumn: Y1Q1
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended (enroll in Music 200A; required and elective courses as available)
    Milestone: Diagnostic Exams (read about ALL exams in the Music Graduate Student Handbook)
    Qualifying Exam preparation and Language I Study (read about the exam in the Ethnomusicology Qualifying Exam Guidelines)
  • Winter: Y1Q2
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended (enroll in Music 200B; required and elective courses as available)
    Qualifying Exam preparation and Language I Study
  • Spring: Y1Q3
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended (enroll in Music 280; required and elective courses as available)
    Milestone: Language I, PhD Reading Exam
    Qualifying Exam preparation (by May 31, establish Quals Committee & Fields of Study to committee and GSSO)
    Language II Study
  • Summer: Y1Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only, Independent Study course in Music (i.e. 299, 302, 341)
    Qualifying Exam preparation and Language II Study
Year Two
  • Autumn: Y2Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended (required and elective courses as available)
    Qualifying Exam preparation (by September 15, draft repertoire lists & bibliographies to committee and GSSO)
    Language II Study
  • Winter: Y2Q2
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended (required and elective courses as available)
    Milestone: PhD Reading Examination in a Foreign Language (any quarter prior to TGR; soonest recommended)
    Qualifying Exam preparation and Language II Study

  • Spring: Y2Q3
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended (required and elective courses as available)
    Qualifying Exam preparation (by July 15, finalize repertoire lists and bibliographies)
    Milestone: Language II, PhD Reading Exam

  • Summer: Y2Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only, Independent Study course in Music (i.e. 299, 302, 341)
    Milestone: Qualifying Examination (taken in the week prior to the start of classes in Autumn Quarter of Year III)

Year Three
  • Autumn: Y3Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended (Music 299 and/or required and elective courses as available)
    Milestone: Qualifying Examination (taken in the week prior to the start of classes)
    Associated Forms: Qualifying Exam Report (completed by faculty committee); Candidacy Form (after passing exam)
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
  • Winter: Y3Q2
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended (Music 299 and/or required and elective courses as available)
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
  • Spring: Y3Q3
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended (Optional: Music 330; and required and elective courses as available)
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
    Milestone: Teaching Requirement met (upon completing the last six quarters of Teaching Assistantships)
  • Summer: Y3Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only, Music 302 (when not doing ethnography)
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
Year Four
  • Autumn: Y4Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended (Music 341 and/or Music 299 until you have reached 135 graduate-level units and completed all required coursework)
    Milestone: Special Area Exam (scheduled before the end of week nine)
    Milestone: Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) (acquired after reaching 135 units, no later than the end of Spring quarter)
    Associated Form: TGR Petition (e-form; when 135 units reached; enroll in Music 802 ONLY after being granted TGR status)
    Milestone: Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee Form (consult with advisor; file before the end of quarter)
  • Winter: Y4Q2
    Enroll in Music 802, TGR Dissertation with your advisor: 0-3 units
    Dissertation Research and Writing
  • Spring: Y4Q3
    Enroll in Music 802, TGR Dissertation with your advisor: 0-3 units
    Dissertation Research and Writing
  • Summer: Y4Q4
    Enroll in Music 802, TGR Dissertation with your advisor: 0-3 units
    Dissertation Research and Writing
Year Five
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