The material provided here is supplemental to the graduate bulletin of The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Students should consult the bulletin covering their date of admission regarding all aspects of admission, programs of study, and course offerings. Students may also refer to the school and departmental websites for the latest information.
Students work closely with their doctoral program advisor through all stages of meeting degree requirements. The Director of Doctoral Studies for the Department is Dr. John Gilbert. He coordinates various stages and committees involved in doctoral study. He works closely with the Program Directors.
Doctoral Program Directors and Advisors:
Composition: Dr. Julia Wolfe
Instrumental Studies: Dr. Esther Lamneck
Computer Composition: Dr. Tae Hong Park
Piano Studies: Dr. Marilyn Nonken
Music Education: Dr. John Gilbert
Vocal Studies: Prof. William Wesbrooks
Music Therapy: Prof. Barbara Hesser
Jazz Studies: Dr. David Schroeder
Doctoral programs incorporate advanced study through which students will provide significant contributions to their chosen field. The first stage is matriculation in which students develop their skills at advanced levels while preparing for doctoral candidacy. A matriculated student is not yet a “candidate” for the doctoral degree.
Taking the candidacy examination is a major step in doctoral study. Once the student has passed candidacy, the faculty recognizes the ability and advanced standing of the student. Students are then eligible to perform recitals, form dissertation committees, and submit topics and proposals for research. Students should begin to prepare for candidacy the moment they embark upon their studies. Candidacy is usually taken in the second year of full-time study, after completing 24 points, including Foundations Studies.
The advisement process takes into account a review of transcripts, audition, review of placement examination results, and an interview with the student. Because our programs provide for flexibility within the structure of a selected concentration, there is reciprocal responsibility on the part of the student and the Program advisor. Students should begin to focus their thinking on research objectives in their area of specialization as early in their doctoral studies as possible. Coursework, especially advised research courses, should be organized around the probable research topic for the dissertation.
This makes each degree much more personally structured than the more traditional "laundry list" of courses provided by many institutions. However, this means that the student must take responsibility for identifying in very concrete ways, personal and professional goals. In addition, students must learn how to examine the graduate bulletins of the university in order to explore the full range of opportunities available for course work.
It is the responsibility of the Program advisor to guide the student in this process, but the student must come to the advisement appointment fully prepared with suggestions and ideas concerning the courses they prefer and need to fulfill degree requirements within their area of concentration.
By working closely with the Program advisor, students can shape their graduate educational experience in highly personal and distinct ways.
After Completing Required Course Work (ABD)
Students have ten years after matriculation to complete all work for the doctoral degree, including research, writing the dissertation and defending the dissertation in the final oral examination. Students are expected to make steady progress toward completing the research and the dissertation after completing all coursework.
Maintaining Active Status:
Doctoral Candidates must register and participate in the Departmental Seminar MPAIA-GE 3400 for 1 point each semester after completing doctoral course work until graduation or in any semester in which they are registered for at least 3 points. Students must attend the seminars and participate by working with their dissertation committees. Dissertation Chairs are charged with the responsibility of assessing the progress of each student on a yearly basis. For students living in other cities, participation can take place through the Internet. Rather than presenting work at the seminars, students can post their progress on the Collegium Website. Such posting must be with the knowledge and approval of the Dissertation Chair. Students must be in touch with their dissertation committees at least once each semester and provide a narrative of their progress and/or actual chapters of the dissertation. Students who do not make satisfactory progress toward the completion of their research and dissertation may be dropped from the program.
MPAIA-GE 3400 Performing Arts Research Collegium, 1 pt.
10 hours + Hrs. Arr.
Course Description:
Doctoral dissertation advisement with dissertation committee coordinated with seminars in which students present their works in progress and discuss research problems. Current researchers in the performing Arts are invited to share research and writing. Doctoral students in the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions must register for this course each semester after completing coursework to maintain active status in the doctoral program. Students must have secured at least the Chair of their dissertation committee and have the full committee in place by the time their proposal is approved.
Format:
Seminar meets once a month, and additional sessions may be announced. The schedule of meetings and agendas are announced at the first week of each semester. In addition, students work with their dissertation committees at the stage of the research they are pursuing. Some will work on proposals, others will actually conduct their research, while still others will be writing the dissertation. Seminar topics will address these issues in a more formal manner utilizing doctoral students in panels to discuss research problems or inviting students to share and discuss findings and methodological issues. Students are expected to participate in each established seminar.
Sections are provided for Music, Dance Education, and Educational Theatre. All sections meet together. Additional seminars may be added to address special interests of disciplines.