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 Composition & all Ph.D. concentrations
December 15 for D.M.A. in Performance
(fall enrollment only/no spring enrollment)
Our premiere 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.
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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 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.
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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
May 1, 2022
Scholars to Know This AAPI Heritage Month
Meet Graduate Center faculty, students, and alumni who study and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage.
- Alumni News
- Faculty News
- Student News
- GC Stories
Apr 19, 2022
With 'Migration Music,' Pianist Han Chen Explores Stories of Immigration
D.M.A. student’s latest venture is a pandemic-era video series featuring immigrant composers.
- Student News
- GC Stories
Apr 13, 2022
Soros Fellowship Brings Cellist Audrey Chen Closer to her Dream
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship, awarded to a handful of immigrants or children of immigrants, has special meaning for Chen, a Music doctoral student.
- Student News
- GC Stories
Feb 10, 2022
In Memoriam: Professor Philip Lambert
The Graduate Center community is deeply saddened by the loss of retired Professor Philip Lambert, a dear friend, esteemed colleague and mentor, and revered music theorist.
- Faculty News
