Advanced Research Training in Ethnomusicology: PhD, Habilitation, and Postdoctoral programs
PhD in Ethnomusicology
Our doctoral program in Ethnomusicology provides advanced training in ethnomusicological theories and methods, guides early career researchers in carrying out original independent research on a music culture and socio-musical topic of their choice, and offers mentorship and professional development opportunities in academic and applied ethnomusicology career skills, all in a supportive, diverse, and highly international environment.
Information for prospective PhD applicants
Eligibility: incoming doctoral candidates should typically have a Master’s degree in Ethnomusicology or equivalent training and expertise. Applicants with a Master’s degree in a closely related discipline, such as musicology or anthropology, who have completed a Master’s thesis applying theories and methods relevant to Ethnomusicology are also welcome to apply. If you are unsure of your eligibility, feel free to email Prof. Hill, Dr. Wenz, or Dr. Dick.
Supervision: Prof. Hill is the primary supervisor of doctoral research projects. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review her projects and publications to determine if her areas of expertise are relevant to their proposed project and if she would be an appropriate supervisor. The doctoral committee comprises three professors: if part of the project falls beyond Prof. Hill’s expertise, co-supervision by internal and external professors (including from other countries) is possible and advisable.
Language requirements: the doctoral dissertation may be written in either English or German, and the candidate must have advanced academic writing skills in at least one of these languages. Ethnomusicology research courses and colloquia generally take place in English, so candidates should have a good understanding of written and spoken English. Doctoral courses and workshops offered by the faculty and the graduate school are typically in German, so candidates who do not already understand written and spoken German well should develop a plan to improve their language German skills before and/or during their first semesters of study.
Application procedure: Interested applicants should send the following materials to Prof. Hill: 1) a research proposal of 5 to 10 pages single-spaced presenting the research questions and aims, proposed case study, theoretical framework, contribution to existing scholarship on both the case study and the theoretical questions, research methodology, work plan, and references; 2) an academic curriculum vitae including evidence that the applicant has relevant training and experience to carry out doctoral-level research in Ethnomusicology; 3) a brief statement (ca.1/2 page) as to why the project would be a good fit for the Würzburg Ethnomusicology program and why Prof. Hill would be a suitable primary advisor. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. After acknowledgment of receipt, it may take several weeks for the application materials to be reviewed, at which point applicants will be informed: a) if their proposed project is promising, in which case they will be invited for an online interview; b) if the proposal has potential but requires revision; or c) if the project is unsuitable for our program or the candidate lacks sufficient background and training. Applicants accepted for doctoral study under the supervision of Prof. Hill then build a doctoral committee and submit a formal supervision agreement to either the Graduate School of Humanities or the Faculty of the Arts (Philosophische Fakultät). Typically one to two candidates are admitted per year.
Funding: There is no internal funding or employment opportunities for doctoral students from the Institute or the University. Accepted students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships. International students are encouraged to apply for DAAD scholarships and all students are encouraged to attend the funding workshops offered by the faculty and the graduate school. Since tuition is free for all degree students regardless of residency and nationality, those who are unable to obtain scholarships are often able to pay for their living and research expenses by working part-time.
Questions? Contact Dr. Clara Wenz or Fabio Dick for questions regarding eligibility, application procedures, and the structure of the doctoral programs. Contact Prof. Juniper Hill for questions regarding PhD research proposals.
Current Doctoral Students in Ethnomusicology
Fabio Dick. Musik und Heimat im globalen Kontext: Beispiele aus Bayern.
Mehdi Bagheri. Hybridity, Identity and Revivalism in Kurdish Music of Diaspora.
Ebru Yazıcı. Sensing Sound in the Contemporary Avant-Garde Music Scene in Europe: Polyphonic Overtone Singing and the Art of Improvisation.
Jehoshaphat “Kofi” Sarbah. Twiwee Fishing as Decision Infrastructure: Affective Physicality, Coordination, and Sustainability in Ghana's Artisanal Fisheries.
Peeyush Nepal. Intercultural music making: Metamorphosis of friendships from Ethno Camps.
Postdoctoral Research in Ethnomusicology
We are open to hosting externally funded postdoctoral research projects in Ethnomusicology, especially if the topics and/or approaches complement our program. The Habilitation degree is also possible. Interested candidates should email a research proposal and detailed academic curriculum vitae to Prof. Hill.
Current and Recent Postdoctoral Projects
Dr. Clara Wenz. Habilitation project “Egypt’s Dancing Horses: A Musical-Equestrian Ethnography” funded by the University of Würzburg and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences. 2021-present.
Dr. Toyin Samuel Ajose. Postdoctoral project “Silenced yet Loud’: Hearing Nigerian Music through Migrant Churches in Germany,” funded by a Humboldt Fellowship. 2024-present.
Dr. Loab Hammoud. Postdoctoral project “Reconstructing Home through Music: The Experiences of Syrian Musicians in Germany,” funded by a Humboldt Fellowship. 2024-present.
Prof. Guilnard Moufarrej. Research projects on music and trauma among Syrian refugees and on the Syrian Melkite community in Germany, funded in part by SCIAS. 2021-present.
Dr. Alma Bejtullahu. Postdoctoral project “Becoming good citizens of the country we live in’: Musial practice of Albanian Kosovan Community,” funded by a Humboldt Fellowship. 2023-2026.
Dr. Cornelia Günauer. Postdoctoral fellow on the project “Learning from Ethnomusicology and Our Neighbors: Musical Heritage, Creativity, and Intercultural Engagement” funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. 2021-2025.
Dr. Luciano Nazario. Postdoctoral project “Freedom as a Trigger for Musical Creativity,” funded by DAAD. 2021.
