PhD Music (Composition)

University of Manchester

Our PhD Music (Composition) programme will see you produce a portfolio of compositions and a written commentary, allowing you to develop your original creative voice under the supervision of our specialist academic staff. Research Areas and Supervision: Your supervised research will normally relate to the research interests of a member of staff. These currently include (but are not limited to): The influence of natural processes and of shapes and textures found in nature on musical composition. The influence on geopolitics and human geography on composition. The influence of visual art and sculpture on musical composition. The perception of time and memory and its influence on musical composition. Microtones and different tuning systems. The spectrum between pitch and noise within instrumental music. Indeterminacy and the incorporation of performer freedoms and choice within composition. The interplay of different musical cultures. Research Framework: Our research across the department involves particular focus on eight core research areas, built around research questions, themes and approaches that are shared by a number of members of staff. Explored thematically during our Thursday research afternoons, the core research areas allow us to interrogate key issues in music research from multiple angles, fostering imaginative and multi-layered responses that are both intellectual and creative. They comprise: Creative and performing practices Sound, space and interactive art Politics, protest and power Nationalism, mobility and identity Historically and culturally informed analysis Critical reception studies Intercultural musicking Music and Ecosystems Workshops and performances of postgraduate compositions are arranged through the department and may involve the Quatuor Danel, our quartet-in-residence, among other professional and student performers. As a research student in the department, you will be assigned a research panel, consisting of your supervisor, a co-supervisor and an independent reviewer who will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss your progress and offer expert advice on the development of your project. Postgraduate students are an important part of the academic community of the department and the University, and we encourage all our PhD students to participate in research seminars and to present their research at regular intervals to help them develop their research experience and profile.