Music
Music doctoral students at the CUNY Graduate Center benefit from the mentorship of renowned faculty in a small, diverse program in the heart of New York City.
Request InformationDegree Offered
Ph.D. or D.M.A. in Music: Composition
Full-time
Ph.D. in Music: Ethnomusicology
Full-time
Ph.D. in Music: Musicology
Full-time
D.M.A. in Music: Performance
Full-time
Ph.D. in Music: Theory and Analysis
Full-time
Admissions Deadlines
December 1 for D.M.A. in Performance
December 15 for D.M.A. in Composition & all Ph.D. concentrations
(fall enrollment only/no spring enrollment)
Our premier music doctoral programs allow students to pursue their passions while honing their expertise. Students study with faculty who are leading scholars, composers, and performers. Giving students individualized support is a top priority, and we are proud of our excellent placement record.
Visit our Community Portal site for additional news and events >>
Our Program
The Ph.D.–D.M.A. Program in Music of the CUNY Graduate Center is designed to train students in many fields and subfields of musical scholarship. Hear from our faculty and students.
Admissions and Aid
The Best of CUNY Music
Students study with faculty who are based primarily at The Graduate Center as well as top music faculty from schools throughout the CUNY system, which includes colleges with distinguished music programs such as Baruch College, Brooklyn College, City College, Hunter College, Lehman College, John Jay College, College of Staten Island, and Queens College.
Meet our Faculty
Inspiration Abounds
Our students and faculty compose, publish, produce and perform at the highest levels. Our community is, therefore, a nexus of scholarly and creative accomplishment, which is recognized and celebrated nationally and internationally.
Follow us on Twitter for the latest news
Take Advantage of NYC
Students draw inspiration from New York City’s extraordinarily rich musical and cultural life. A center for classical music, opera, and music theater, New York is known as the jazz capital of the world and the biggest center for Latin popular music. It is host to a dazzling array of diverse ethnic and immigrant communities whose musical activities present unique research and performance opportunities. Students also have access to special research facilities and archives at institutions like Lincoln Center and The New York Public Library.
Learn about Living and Learning in NYCCommitted to Elevating Diverse Voices
We are proud to be part of CUNY’s success at creating opportunities for diverse students. We value students and faculty who bring new and underrepresented perspectives and experiences to their study and work. Our faculty are known for exploring new avenues of scholarship and addressing long-held biases and enjoy mentoring students who challenge the status quo. We are devoted to creating an inclusive community in which students of all cultures and backgrounds feel welcomed and supported.
— Music Program Leadership
Latest News
Nov 14, 2022
Teaching and Learning Center Fellows Find Fulfilling Careers
The TLC provides a space for Graduate Center students to grow as educators and to prepare for the academic job market.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Alumni News
Nov 10, 2022
Channeling Emily Dickinson Through Music and Movement
A Music Ph.D. candidate composes a ballet with a resonant theme: the suppression of women artists.
- GC Stories
- Student News
Oct 12, 2022
An Alum Joins the Tenure Track at Lehman After Writing Her Dissertation in ‘Record Time’
A 2022 graduate, who wrote her dissertation in one year, shares her experience and advice.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Alumni News
Sep 15, 2022
Celebrating Our Scholars in Hispanic Heritage Month
The Graduate Center is part of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, which aims to double Hispanic doctoral students and increase the number of Hispanic professors by 20%.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Faculty News
- Alumni News
