Course code: 0020 + Course fees: Local students - RTS HECS-exempt places available + Coordinator: Thomas Reiner
The PhD in musical composition is designed for composers to develop a research-based composition folio that makes an independent and original contribution to knowledge. Candidates will create a substantial folio of original compositions that demonstrates the ability to conceive and research an aesthetic argument, to develop and shape sonic materials, and to understand music technology as a compositional tool. In addition, candidates will write a critical commentary that demonstrates their capacity to articulate the conceptual and aesthetic basis for their folio of compositions, to assess their compositional work in the context of contemporary music and sonic art, and to research and convey creative processes involved in the production of sound and music. Candidates will work closely with their supervisor(s), whose primary role is to identify and develop candidates' goals and to strengthen their intellectual and technical capacity to meet these goals.
The minimum qualifications for admission to PhD are:
Candidates who have obtained the above minimum qualifications without having undertaken composition units at either honours, masters qualifying, or masters levels need to demonstrate their ability to compose through the submission of at least three substantial original musical works to the satisfaction of the school's coordinator in composition.
The course consists of 100 per cent research in the form of musical composition. In consultation with the supervisor, a candidate will plan and develop a substantial, research-based folio of original compositions. A candidate will be required to submit a composition folio consisting of both musical scores and sound recordings. The overall duration of the submitted music would normally be between 50 and 80 minutes. Depending on the complexity of the submitted music, however, the overall duration may deviate considerably from the given range. Candidates present at least 50 per cent of the music submitted in their folio in public concerts. The supervisor guides the candidates in the performance and recording of their musical works. Together with the folio of musical compositions candidates submit a critical commentary of between 20,000 and 25,000 words. The commentary must be scholarly in character, and, at minimum address the following: (1) explication of a research-based argument that provides the conceptual basis for the folio and its contribution to knowledge, (2) compositional approach, process, and techniques, (3) aesthetic placement and stylistic predecessors, (4) performance context.
No provision for credit is provided.
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