Music (Music Learning and Teaching), PhD
Prepare for a career as a leader in music education in one of the most innovative music programs in the country. You can develop your skills as a flexible musician, innovative and inclusive practitioner, inquisitive thinker and effective leader, and make a difference in the lives of your students and community.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
The National Association of Schools of Music accredits Arizona State U...
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Music (Music Learning and Teaching), PhD degree description
If you are a musician-teacher-scholar who seeks a career in musical and educational leadership, the Doctor of Philosophy program in music with a concentration in music learning and teaching is the world-class degree for you. You are immersed in an inclusive and multifaceted community of dynamic partnerships and research and teaching collaborations. You work with faculty members on creative projects that lead to independent and co-authored research publications, creative projects and professional presentations.
The program includes specialized study in music education, elective studies with scholars and artists in the Herberger Institute, and opportunities for transdisciplinary elective study with faculty and colleges across ASU. A plan of study is designed by you in consultation with the faculty to support your career trajectory. Typical projects interrogate and broaden discourse and practice in music education, and challenge methodological and disciplinary boundaries to imagine what could be. The program concludes with dissertation research that springboards you to the next phase of your career.
Why specialize in music learning and teaching at ASU?
At the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, you study with internationally recognized artists, educators and scholars who guide your growth as both a musician and a teacher. You can perform in faculty, guest artist and student works throughout the year, and connect to a network of alumni, internships, residencies and partnerships spanning the arts.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
90 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (10 credit hours) Concentration (30 credit hours) Electives (29 credit hours) Research (6 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives. When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet located on the Music, Dance and Theatre graduate degree page.
MSI 601 Contemporary Topics in Music Research (2)
MSI 602 Current Issues in Music Research (2)
MSI 755 Historical Research in Music (3)
MTC 520 Analytical Techniques (3)
MUE 784 Internship (3)
MUE 799 Dissertation (12)
Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students prior to enrollment in the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Design individual teaching practices that are appropriate to a beginning faculty position in music education at college level.
- Implement a major independent research project that makes a unique contribution to the field of music learning and teaching.
- Apply research methods to conduct independent research.
Design individual teaching practices that are appropriate to a beginning faculty position in music education at college level.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply if they have earned a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country that is officially recognized by that country. Applicants must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 credit hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Students should see the program website for more information on application deadlines. To ensure prompt processing of application, students should email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu after submitting an application. An interview with the music learning and teaching doctoral faculty in person or via electronic media is scheduled after review of application materials.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances. To meet English proficiency requirements, students should have a minimum TOEFL iBT® score of 4, or 80 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026; an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5; or a Pearson Test of English score of at least 60.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this music learning and teaching concentration prepares you for
Graduates have many possible career options and pathways.
Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching, researching and arts advocacy are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship and the focused discipline needed for success as musicians are all highly valued by a wide range of companies and professions.
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music. Graduates become scholars, researchers, music and arts administrators, and public policy advisors to education and arts organizations or civic and governmental groups.
Career examples include:
- arts administrator
- community arts advocate
- community arts educator
- performing musician
- public or community school teacher
- teaching artist
- university professor
- worship music leader
- youth development facilitator
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
