A unique way of studying music
If you have a passion for music and are keen to complete postgraduate study, a mixed mode PhD or Master of Philosophy provides the opportunity to produce a half-length thesis plus a CD recording or DVD linked to the research.
Offered by the Department of Contemporary Music Studies at Macquarie University, this type of study is commonly referred to as a creative component PhD or MPhil.
"Students can complete mixed mode study in two ways," explains Professor of Contemporary Music, Phil Hayward."They can produce a creative work and then complete an analysis of that work, or they can prepare a half thesis and then undertake a creative work based on that research."
While writing a half thesis might sound like an easy option, this is not necessarily the case according to Hayward. "I believe that you are doing 60 per cent times two if you are doing a creative component thesis," says Hayward. "But while you are doing 120 per cent of work, it is very rewarding."
Diverse range of projects
Contemporary music refers to all types of music with the exception of classical. This broad scope has seen a diverse range of creative component projects including a chamber operetta and an analysis of Christian devotional music.
Masters graduate Erik Damberg harnessed his interest in Australian exotic songs from the 1920s to 1950s for his postgraduate study. This area of songs had been written and published but were no longer performed. Damberg researched the background of the material, did an analysis of the styles and the context they were played in and then recorded them. His CD, Sunset Palms, includes songs such as I lost my heart on Hayman Island, Coolangatta Moon and Take me back to Norfolk Island.
"Erik's postgraduate study brought this music back into the public domain, and his contemporary arrangement was produced on the Coral Music label and is a musically well-made CD," says Hayward.
Benefits
There are a variety of benefits of completing mixed mode postgraduate study. "If you want to be a music academic it is advantageous to have the research side and creative component," says Hayward. "If you want to go into the music industry you have the qualification and the product."
Potential students
Academics in the department have a variety of interests including Pacific and other island music, electronic music, folk music and Asian music. One staff member, Adrian McNeil, is a noted international performer on the Indian fretless string instrument the sarod.
"As we have a growing interest in Asian music we are particularly keen to look at projects from students wanting to undertake research in this area," says Hayward.
Potential students must have an Honours degree or equivalent. "It doesn't necessarily have to be a music degree," says Hayward. "If you have a degree in economics but are an experienced musician and can substantiate that then we'll certainly look at that."
For further information visit the Department of Contemporary Music website: www.dcms.mq.edu.au or email Denis Crowdy denis.crowdy@mq.edu.au