PhD in Musical Performance and Interpretation
Explore cutting-edge research in historically informed performance, musicology, and interpretative theory at Italy’s premier conservatory.
Best for:Best for musicians, composers, and musicologists seeking to advance their research in performance practice, music theory, or musicology with a strong interdisciplinary focus.
Overview
This PhD programme at the Conservatorio Statale di Musica G.Rossini Pesaro offers musicians, composers, conductors, and musicologists the opportunity to develop advanced research skills in musical performance and interpretation. Applicants will engage in interdisciplinary study, blending historically informed performance practice, philology, and music theory. The curriculum includes compulsory courses on musical philology, bibliographic research, and performance studies, alongside seminars on aesthetics, cognitive sciences, and artistic research methods. The programme supports both performative-theoretical and exclusively theoretical research projects, fostering expertise in rare or unpublished repertoires.
What you'll do
- Conduct original research on unpublished or rarely performed musical repertoire from theoretical and practical perspectives.
- Develop and implement a research project combining performance and theoretical constructs, including historically informed performance practice.
- Attend compulsory courses on musical philology, bibliographic research methodology, and musical analysis.
- Participate in seminars and workshops on artistic-musical research, aesthetics, and cognitive sciences.
- Collaborate with faculty and peers to refine research methods and theoretical frameworks.
- Present research findings at academic conferences and publish in relevant journals or scholarly outlets.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Music, Musicology, Composition, Conducting, or a related field, or equivalent qualification.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good proficiency level (equivalent to B2/C1)
Instruction: Italian and English
- Advanced proficiency in musical performance or composition
- Strong background in music theory or musicology
- Familiarity with historically informed performance practice
- Research skills in bibliographic and philological methodologies
- Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research combining theory and practice
- Open to musicians, composers, conductors, and musicologists worldwide
- No age restrictions
- No residency requirements
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-29T14:00:00 (Europe/Rome)
Applicants must submit their application through the official Conservatorio website. The process involves uploading a CV, a research proposal, academic transcripts, and proof of English proficiency. Three letters of recommendation are also required. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the Conservatorio’s doctoral programme page.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal (detailed project outline)
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Portfolio or samples of musical work (if applicable)
Contact
Dottorato Office· PhD Programme Coordinator
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