Doctor of Philosophy in Theory

In the five-year Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Theory, students study the principles of music, develop skills in music analysis and scholarly research, and prepare themselves to become college teachers in music theory. Music theory students are required to pass two proficiency examinations in languages other than English. The selected languages should relate as closely as possible to the topic of the student’s research. With the approval of the theory faculty, successful completion of a course in reading comprehension offered by a language department at the University of Texas may be substituted for the language examination. Where appropriate to the student’s research and with the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee in Music, the student may substitute appropriate coursework in computer programming, statistics, or similar skills course for one language requirement. Additional language study may be necessary, depending on the focus of the student’s research.

You must submit the university application and receive a UT EID prior to beginning the Butler School of Music application. UT EIDs are sent by the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) through email 2-3 business days after your university application is submitted and processed.official transcripts - You must submit an official transcript from every senior college you have attended. Even if courses taken at one institution are recorded on a transcript from another college, a transcript must be submitted from the institution at which the courses were taken.Optional: GRE scoreINTRODUCTORY VIDEO - Submit a one to three minute video recording on which you verbally introduce yourself and discuss your musical and non-musical interests, goals, creative or volunteer work and reasons for applying to the Butler School of Music.STATEMENT OF PURPOSE - A 500-word essay outlining your objectives for graduate study, career plans and reasons for applying to our program.LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION - Three recommendation letters, written within the last twelve months, pertaining to your potential for graduate study in music. Provide contact information for your three chosen references in your Butler School application. Notification emails are sent to your references after you submit your application.RÉSUMÉ OR CURRICULUM VITAE - A résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) providing complete information concerning musical training, experience, awards, honors, publications and performance.WRITING SAMPLE - One to two substantive written documents that will give the evaluating faculty an indication of your writing and rhetorical abilities