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Music thesis format

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Artistic Research in Music provides a program in the area of artistic research in music leading to research outcomes in the form of a folio of creative work and critical exegesis related to the folio.

Objective

The purpose of the folio of creative work is to realise the primary research activity; the folio of creative work is the outcome of the research. The purpose of the exegesis is to provide a scholarly context and framework by which to fully understand the folio of creative work as the research outcome.

Rationale

Graduates of undergraduate and postgraduate music programs from most institutions both nationally and internationally find themselves in a highly competitive market for significant work in the profession. Graduates from this program will have specialised knowledge and skills in artistic music research, which will provide them with a significant edge in preparation for further research training, or broaden the scope of future employment prospects.

Structure and thesis format

The program is assessed by 2 externally appointed examiners who assess the folio of creative work, which is accompanied by a critical exegesis (max. 15,000 words for the MPhil; 30,000 words for the PhD).

The exegesis provides candidates with the opportunity to contextualise, explain, and defend the folio as an original contribution to knowledge in the field of artistic research in music. The types of creative work comprising the folio will be informed by the particular music subdiscipline. The folio of creative work usually includes one or more of the following elements:

  • performance
  • composition
  • music media.

Hybrid and cross-disciplinary formats will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The folio of creative work is expected to demonstrate a robust and distinctive artistic practice, with the scale and scope of engagement appropriate to the discipline and degree (MPhil or PhD). Examples include but are not limited to:

  • a major concerto performance, or equivalent series of performances, with scholarly program notes (max. 3,000 words for the MPhil; 5,000 words for the PhD)
  • a major music composition, such as an album, symphony, or music theatre work
  • a major creative work involving music media.

Specific requirements for milestone progression are determined on the basis of the folio.

During the program, candidates focusing on music performance undertake coursework designed to support the performance preparation. This coursework forms part of the internal progression requirements of the program and includes practical examinations in the form of recitals.

The folio of creative work and written exegesis generated to fulfil the requirements of the artistic research in music alternate thesis format are examined as a single package.

Performances will be recorded for later examination with the completed thesis package unless the School agrees (by the Confirmation of Candidature milestone) to support examiner attendance at a live performance.