

PHD in Music at University of Mysore


Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Music at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This PhD in Music program at University of Mysore focuses on advanced research, critical analysis, and scholarly inquiry into diverse aspects of music. Rooted in India''''s rich musical heritage, it encourages exploration of traditional and contemporary forms. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, fostering deep intellectual engagement with regional music traditions and global musical phenomena, preparing scholars for significant contributions to the field.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduates in Music (M.A. Music, M.Phil. Music) who aspire to pursue rigorous academic research. It caters to aspiring university professors, musicologists, performing artists, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding and contribute original knowledge to music scholarship. Candidates passionate about ethnomusicology, performance studies, or music theory will find this program a valuable pathway to advanced academic careers.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop expertise in advanced music research methodologies and critical thinking. India-specific career paths include faculty positions in universities and colleges, researchers at cultural academies like Sangeet Natak Akademi, music archivists, and cultural policy advisors. Entry-level academic salaries in India range from INR 5-8 LPA, with significant growth for experienced professors, enabling a rewarding career in music education and research.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Research Methodology- (Semester 1)
Master the nuances of research paradigms specific to music, including qualitative, quantitative, and ethnographic methods. Engage with key texts in musicology and ethnomusicology, and actively participate in departmental workshops focusing on research design and academic ethics.
Tools & Resources
University Library (Music Section), JSTOR, Oxford Handbooks of Musicology
Career Connection
A strong foundation in methodology is critical for developing a robust thesis and establishing credibility as a music researcher, essential for academic roles.
Early Literature Review and Niche Identification- (Semester 1-2)
Begin a comprehensive review of existing literature in your broad area of interest to identify gaps and potential research questions. Actively attend departmental seminars and colloquia to explore faculty research interests and find a suitable supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Departmental seminar series
Career Connection
Early identification of a research niche and supervisor is crucial for timely thesis progression and aligning your work with academic and cultural relevance.
Skill Development in Academic Writing & Presentation- (Semester 1-2)
Enroll in academic writing workshops focused on humanities or arts. Practice presenting your coursework assignments, seeking constructive feedback from peers and faculty to refine your presentation skills and prepare for thesis proposal defense.
Tools & Resources
University Writing Center, Grammarly Premium, PowerPoint/Google Slides
Career Connection
Clear communication of complex ideas through writing and presentation is vital for publishing research, securing grants, and teaching positions.
Intermediate Stage
Craft a Robust Research Proposal- (Year 1-2)
Collaborate closely with your supervisor to define precise research questions, select appropriate methodologies, and outline the scope of your PhD thesis. Present your proposal at departmental colloquia or pre-registration seminars to gain valuable feedback from senior scholars.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor consultations, Doctoral Committee meetings, Proposal templates
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal demonstrates scholarly rigor and forms the blueprint for a successful thesis, enhancing your profile for future academic applications.
Intensive Fieldwork and Archival Research- (Year 2-3)
Engage in primary data collection relevant to your Music specialization, which may include interviews with master musicians, visits to specialized music archives, or detailed analysis of musical scores and recordings. Maintain meticulous documentation of all findings, adhering to ethical research guidelines.
Tools & Resources
Audio recorders, Transcription software, Archival databases (e.g., Alkazi Collection), Ethical approval forms
Career Connection
Original primary research provides unique insights, strengthens your thesis, and establishes you as a credible scholar capable of independent investigation, crucial for research roles.
Network with Music Scholars & Attend Conferences- (Year 2-4)
Actively connect with established musicologists, ethnomusicologists, and researchers by attending national and international conferences (e.g., conferences organized by the Indian Musicological Society). Present preliminary findings to gain exposure, receive feedback, and build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (e.g., SEM, ICTM), LinkedIn, Academic social media platforms
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaborations, post-doctoral opportunities, and mentorship, significantly impacting your career trajectory in academia and cultural institutions.
Advanced Stage
Structured Thesis Writing & Chapter Development- (Year 3-5)
Establish a disciplined writing routine, breaking your thesis into manageable chapters with clear objectives for each. Engage in regular, constructive meetings with your supervisor to ensure logical flow, coherent argumentation, and adherence to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Zotero/Mendeley for citations, Scrivener/Word, Supervisor''''s feedback
Career Connection
Efficient and high-quality thesis writing is the direct path to degree completion and forms the core of your scholarly portfolio for future employment.
Prepare for Comprehensive Viva Voce- (Year 4-6)
Thoroughly prepare for your final viva voce examination by anticipating potential questions on your research methodology, significant findings, and the original contribution of your thesis to the field of Music. Practice presenting your key arguments concisely and defending them rigorously.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions, Previous thesis defenses, Your own thesis manuscript
Career Connection
A strong viva voce defense demonstrates mastery of your subject and research, instilling confidence in your abilities for academic and research appointments.
Explore Post-Doctoral Opportunities & Publication- (Year 5-6)
Begin preparing research articles directly from your thesis chapters for submission to peer-reviewed journals in musicology or ethnomusicology. Simultaneously, network for potential post-doctoral positions, research grants, or academic appointments in universities and research institutions.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Journal of the Indian Musicological Society), ResearchGate, University career services
Career Connection
Publishing your work and actively seeking post-doctoral roles are crucial steps for establishing an independent research career and advancing within academia.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Music (or allied subject) with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/Cat-I/Differently-abled candidates). Must pass University PhD Entrance Examination or be exempted (e.g., UGC-NET/JRF, SLET, GATE, Teacher Fellowship).
Duration: Minimum 3 years (including coursework) to Maximum 6 years
Credits: 12 to 16 credits (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD RM | Research Methodology | Core Coursework | 6-8 (Estimated) | Fundamentals of Research (Types, Approaches, Ethics), Research Design and Formulation of Hypothesis, Methods of Data Collection (Empirical, Archival, Ethnographic), Statistical Tools for Research (Basic), Research Report Writing and Presentation, Specifics of Music Research (e.g., Performance-based, Analytical, Historical) |
| PHD MUSIC SP | Advanced Course in Music (Area of Specialization) | Core Coursework (Specialization) | 6-8 (Estimated) | Advanced Theories of Indian Music (Raga, Tala, Gharana/Bani), Musicology and Ethnomusicology Paradigms, Performance Studies and Interpretative Analysis, Indian Music Aesthetics and Philosophy, Music Pedagogy and Curriculum Development, Contemporary Trends in Music Research |




