Doctor of Philosophy in Performing Arts Technology
Application deadlines are specific to degree programs. See our Graduate Admissions page for a list of all deadlines.
With a flexible curriculum, cutting edge facilities, and broad range of faculty expertise, students in the Ph.D. in Performing Arts Technology engage in innovative research and practice in diverse areas of music technology
Academic Eligibility
Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy in Performing Arts Technology must have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in related fields (e.g., music, music technology, engineering, media arts, computer science) prior to entering the PhD program. There is an exception for current students in the MA in Media Arts, who may apply to the PhD during their first year of study and, if admitted, may complete the second year of the MA concurrently with the first year of the PhD Applicants without a Master’s who are interested in the PhD should apply to the MA in Media Arts.
Proficiency Requirements
Students entering the PhD are expected to demonstrate proficiency in at least one text-based computer programming language relevant to the study and practice of music technology, as well as in the theory/technique of audio digital signal processing and sound synthesis, assessed through a placement examination.
Curriculum
Funding
All students admitted to the PhD program in Performing Arts Technology are provided with five-year funding packages, which includes full tuition, a salary stipend, and generous health care benefits. Students will normally be appointed as Graduate Student Instructors teaching undergraduate PAT courses. Students will also be guaranteed a $2,000 summer stipend for each of the five years of funding. In addition to the funding packages offered by the SMTD, Rackham students are also eligible to apply for a wide range of fellowships to fund research, travel, and performance.
All PhD students, regardless of funding source, will be required to serve as a Graduate Student Instructor for a minimum of two semesters. One semester as a GSI should be concurrent with enrollment in PAT 595.
Faculty
Anıl Çamcı
Jason Corey
Paul Dooley
Jeremy Edwards
Jonathan Edwards
John Granzow
Michael Gurevich
Alvin Hill
Sile O’Modhrain
Zeynep Özcan
Stephen Rush
Eric Wojahn
Julie Zhu
Brehm Technology Suite
Performance Opportunities
From large ensembles in celebrated concert halls to chamber groups in intimate recital spaces, performance opportunities across all disciplines abound, with nearly 900 student performances each academic year. Whether your focus is on early, classical, or contemporary music, whether your passion is for jazz, electronic, or world music, there is an ensemble—or in many cases, multiple ensembles—to suit your interests, including specific opportunities for percussion, piano, and organ & carillon. For students in theatre & drama, musical theatre, dance, and opera, opportunities abound in both professionally produced and student-run presentations.
Questions?
Application for 2023-2024 Due December 10
Cost, Scholarships & Financial Aid
We are committed to admitting the most talented and promising performing artists and scholars, regardless of financial means.