PhD Music is a research-intensive doctoral course that is completed in a range of 3-6 years. The minimum duration to complete a PhD Music program is 3 years; however, it can be extended up to 6 years depending on the research progress. The research area of the course majorly focuses on music theory, ethnomusicology, and music technology.
Candidates with 55% marks in postgraduation can apply for the Doctor of Philosophy in Music. Admission to the course is based on merit or entrance exams like UGC-NET, GATE, etc. Universities such as Central University of Karnataka, Sikkim University, and Eternal University offer a PhD in Music in their programs.
The students, after completing the course, can explore various roles in different industries, such as academia, research, music therapy, and the entertainment industry. Some job roles that the professional can pursue include Music Professor, Music Director, Sound Engineer, Musicologist, and Cultural Program Coordinator. The PhD Music average package for freshers ranges between INR 3.5 LPA and INR 8 LPA.
PhD in Music Course Highlights
The table below shows the PhD Music course highlights:
Category | Details |
Course Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Music |
Duration | 3 - 6 years |
Eligibility | Master’s degree in Music or related fields with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam + Personal Interview |
Exams Accepted | UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE |
Average Course Fee | INR 21,206 – INR 73,000 per year |
Top Colleges | Sikkim University, Annamalai University, Central University of Karnataka, etc |
Career Prospects | Music Professor, Musicologist, Composer, Performer, Researcher |
Average Salary | INR 3.5 - 8 LPA (1-3 years of experience) |
Top Employers | Universities, Research Institutes, Cultural Organisations, Media & Entertainment Industry |
What is a PhD in Music?
A PhD in Music is a professional course that primarily focuses on the study of music, its history, performance, and composition. The curriculum structure of the course majorly focuses on subjects such as ethnomusicology, music theory, music technology, musicology, composition, and performance practice. Aspirants pursuing this course gain a deep understanding of the cultural and technical aspects of music.
The professionals are in high demand because of their importance in
analysing musical traditions and integrating music with modern technologies. The graduates have adequate theoretical and practical knowledge that helps them work as university professors, researchers, composers, and performers.
Why Study PhD in Music?
A PhD in Music opens diverse career options for candidates. The professionals can explore careers in music production, music research, performance, various cultural institutions, etc. A few reasons are listed below:
- The professionals have the opportunity to work in reputed organisations like Saregama India Limited, Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt Ltd, Star India Private Limited, etc.
- It helps the candidates enhance their skills in music composition, ethnomusicology, and musicology, which enables them to contribute to the study of music in different genres.
PhD in Music Admission Process
PhD Music admission is merit/entrance-based. The admission is mostly the same for all institutions; however, the admission process of Annamalai University is mentioned below:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of Annamalai University and head to the registration page.
- Step 2: The candidates are required to register themselves.
- Step 3: Now, fill in the details required in the admission process and pay the application fee to submit the form.
- Step 4: Now, the candidates have to appear for the entrance exam conducted by the university.
- Step 5: Once the result is declared, the university will release the cut-off and merit list of the selected candidates.
- Step 6: The selected candidates will be called for the verification process.
PhD in Music Eligibility
PhD Music eligibility criteria can vary for different institutions. Aspirants with a graduate degree are eligible for the Doctor of Philosophy in Music. The eligibility criteria at Eternal University are mentioned below:
- Candidates must have completed an MA in Music or equivalent
- A minimum of 55% marks in aggregate.
PhD in Music Entrance Exam
The table below shows the PhD Music entrance exam that is accepted for admission to the course:
Exams | Registration Date | Exam Date |
UGC NET 2025 | 16 April- 13 May 2025 | 21 June- 30 June 2025 |
GATE 2025 | October 2026 (tentative) | Feb 2026 (tentative) |
CSIR NET 2025 | May 2025 (tentative) | July 2025 (tentative) |
Annamalai University PhD Entrance Exam 2025 | July 2025 (tentative) | August 2025 (tentative) |
PhD in Music Syllabus
The PhD Music syllabus is similar across the colleges in India. However, the syllabus at Sikkim University is mentioned below:
Coursework |
Research Methodology |
Recent Advances in Music: Theory and Practice |
Presentation of Research Proposal and Seminar Presentation |
Research and Publication Ethics |
PhD in Music Colleges
The table below shows the list of PhD Music colleges along with their annual course fee:
College Name | Location | 1st year Fees |
Somaiya Vidyavihar University | Ghatkopar East, Mumbai | INR 50,000 |
Eternal University | Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh | INR 73,000 |
Sikkim University | Gangtok, Sikkim | INR 14,730 |
Annamalai University | Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu | INR 32,410 |
Central University of Karnataka | Gulbarga, Karnataka | INR 24,400 |
Lovely Professional University | Punjab | INR 40,000- 60,000 |
PhD in Music Jobs
After completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Music, graduates can explore a variety of job prospects such as Music Researcher, Sound Engineer, Music Producer, and much more. Some of the PhD Music job roles, along with the average package, are mentioned below:
Job Profile | Average Salary (INR LPA) | Years of Experience |
Music Professor | 6 - 12 | 3-5 years |
Music Researcher | 5 - 10 | 2-4 years |
Music Director | 7 - 15 | 5-10 years |
Music Therapist | 4.5 - 8 | 1-3 years |
Sound Engineer | 5 - 9 | 2-5 years |
Music Producer | 6 - 14 | 3-7 years |
Cultural Program Coordinator | 3.5 - 7 | 1-3 years |
PhD in Music Future Prospects
Candidates have diverse job opportunities in academia and music research. A Doctor of Philosophy in Music graduate can work as a university professor, music researcher, composer, or music therapist. The options that the candidates can follow are mentioned below:
- Entrepreneurship: The professionals can begin their entrepreneurial journey by establishing their composition studios or music production companies.
- Short-term Courses: The graduates can pursue online courses in Music Technology, Music Production, or Music Therapy.
- Higher Education: After a PhD in Music, candidates can pursue a postdoctoral fellowship to continue their academic journey.
PhD in Music FAQs
Can I pursue a PhD in Music from IGNOU?
Yes, IGNOU offers this course with a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years. Interested candidates can apply online through the official website. Candidates must have completed their master's degree in a relevant field to apply for the course.
What is a PhD Music Therapy?
A PhD Music Therapy is a doctoral-level research program that focuses on the therapeutic applications of music. The program combines advanced music theory, clinical research, and neuroscience to find out ways in which music can be used as a healing tool for individuals.
What is the PhD Music starting salary in Germany?
The starting salary of an individual with a PhD in Music depends on the job profile and employment contract. However, the annual average salary can range from €34,200 and €71,400.
Does any foreign university offer a PhD Music Technology?
Many foreign universities offer a PhD Music Technology. Candidates interested in pursuing a PhD Music Technology can check the University of York, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Sussex, and McGill University.
