First YEAR

• Coursework:  Take 15-18 credits.
• Foreign language training (if needed) and/or foreign language exams (if applicable). 
• For HM, Theory & Ethno students, undertake preliminary research for MA Thesis.
• Reviews of student progress occurs in January & May.

SECOND YEAR

• Coursework:  Take 12-15 credits.
• GR6000/Professional Strategies and Skills: For HM, Theory & Ethno students, GR6000 is part of the 12-15 credits taken in the 2nd year and the 3 credits count towards degree requirements; for Comp students, GR6000 is not part of the 12-15 credits taken in the 2nd year and the 3 credits do not count towards degree requirements.
• Foreign language training (if needed) and/or foreign language exams (if applicable). Note that the foreign language requirement must be completed by end of year 2.
• GSAS Teaching Fellowship.
• For HM, Theory & Ethno students, continue preliminary research for dissertation.
• For Composition students, take oral analysis exam 1 (Pre-20th Century).
• The MA degree is awarded if all requirements are met (30 credits & other requrements completed).
• Students in HM and Theory take Parts 1 and 2 of the General Examinations.
• Reviews of student progress occurs in January & May.  Upon completion of the MA requirements (or sooner), students will be informed whether or not they will be invited to continue in the MPhil program.

THIRD YEAR

• Coursework:  Take 6 credits. For HM, Theory & Ethno students, the courses are Dissertation proposal Seminar I & II; for Composition students, the courses are Seminar in Music Comp I & II.
• Foreign language training (if needed) and/or foreign language exams (if applicable). Note for HM, Theory & Ethno students, foreign language requirement must be completed by end of year 3.
• GSAS Teaching Fellowship.
• For HM, Theory & Ethno students, take General Exams, Part 3, in registration period (before Fall semester)
• For Composition students, take oral analysis exam 2 (20th Century/Contemporary Music).
• Choose Faculty Advisor for dissertation.
• For HM, Theory & Ethno students, prepare & defend dissertation prospectus.
• For HM, Theory & Ethno students, the MPhil degree is awarded if all requirements are met (36 credits & required exams completed).
• Review of student progress occurs in January & May.  

FOURTH YEAR

• For HM, Theory & Ethno students, begin dissertation research & writing.
• For Composition students, begin dissertation research, writing & creative work (prepare a portfolio of works and write scholarly essay of around 8,000 to 12,000 words.
• GSAS Teaching Fellowship or Dissertation Fellowship (dissertation fellowship can be taken in year 4 or 5 only).
• Consultations with Faculty Advisors.
• Reviews of student progress occurs in January & May.  

FIFTH YEAR

• For HM, Theory & Ethno students, continued dissertation research & writing.
• For Composition students, continued dissertation research, writing & creative work (prepare a portfolio of works and write scholarly essay of around 8,000 to 12,000 words.
• GSAS Teaching Fellowship or Dissertation Fellowship (dissertation fellowship can be taken in year 4 or 5 only).
• Consultations with Faculty Advisors.
• Formation of committee.
• Distribution, defense & deposit of dissertation.
• The PhD or DMA degree is awarded if all requirements are met.