Music

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)



Meet Ala Krivov, PhD candidate in Music

“The community of graduate students is truly great at Western, we always have each other’s back.”

Describe your research.
The aim of my dissertation is to explore what was considered to be “children’s” music in the U.S. during the 1950s. I argue that there was a conflicted relationship between what adults of the 1950s considered to be children’s music and how children themselves perceived and practiced music in their everyday lives. Ultimately, I investigate how different perspectives delineated the musical reality and defined the sounds that were considered “children’s” in the USA of the 1950s.

Have you worked as a teaching assistant?
Yes, and continue doing so. It helped me to develop new teaching techniques, provided me with a wealth of teaching experience, which I anticipate will be instrumental in landing a job in academia.

What are you most passionate about?
Musicality in human and non-human individuals.

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
Meet your advisor in advance, reach out to other faculty members, and talk to graduate students.

What is it about your grad program that enables you to thrive?
The faculty is very supportive and willing to help with any possible issue. The librarians are knowledgeable and can answer pretty much any question.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Audrey Yardley-Jones (ayardley@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Assistant

Don Wright Faculty of Music

Western University
Talbot College, Room 216
London, Ontario N6A 3K7

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 85354

Students in the PhD in Music program are engaged in a program of study that leads to an original contribution to their field of study: composition; music education; musicology; or music theory. Students are exposed to a wide range of approaches and methodologies to research and creative activity, and work in a thriving intellectual and creative environment. The stages of the program ensure that students attain a broad knowledge base in their particular area of study that prepares them to write an original dissertation.


The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program will help you become a career-ready graduate with the skills necessary to excel in your studies and achieve your future goals. By participating in the program, you will assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth, choose what skills you want to enhance during your time at Western, and learn how to articulate the skills you gained in your degree to optimize your future career opportunities. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

  • 12 Terms

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Admission Requirements

  • A strong academic record from a Master’s degree in the relevant field of study, or its equivalent.
  • Samples of recent work in the relevant field of study.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

  • December 1 - Acceptance notification in early March
Applications received after the deadline are contingent on space availability and funding.

Fields of Research

  • Composition
  • Music Education
  • Music Theory
  • Musicology