PhD in Keyboard Instruments (PhD)

Tuition is Candidates accepted into the programme receive a full-tuition scholarship funded by the C.V. Starr Foundation..

Students in this programme engage in advanced performance training, scholarly research, and pedagogical development under the guidance of faculty mentors. They prepare and present a public recital featuring a diverse repertoire across historical periods and styles. The programme emphasizes individual artistic growth through intensive studio instruction and regular performance opportunities in New York City venues. Candidates also complete a written dissertation on a topic related to their performance practice or music scholarship.

The programme requires 60 credits, distributed across performance study, academic coursework, and a written dissertation. Students complete a major public recital and defend a scholarly dissertation as part of the degree requirements.

Graduates pursue careers as professional performers, university faculty, and music scholars in academic and institutional settings.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in music or an equivalent qualification. Required materials include a recorded audition, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. A live audition is required for final candidates.

The programme totals about 60 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typically lasting three to four years. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 9% of applicants.

Performance sits at the center of The Juilliard School's academic work. Its programs span dance, drama, and music, with acting available within drama and vocal arts offered within music. Music students can study instruments including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, guitar, harp, organ, and percussion. Additional areas include collaborative piano, composition, conducting, jazz studies, historical performance, and the Doctor of Musical Arts. The Artist Diploma in Opera Studies provides another advanced music pathway.

Juilliard connects study with public performance through its performances program and annual season. Dance, drama, music, and creative enterprise appear across its on-stage and related programming. The school also supports artistic development through alumni activities, K-12 education, summer programs, and Juilliard Extension certificates in core musical skills, music composition, and music production. Juilliard Jazz marks 25 years, providing a specific point of continuity within the school's music activities.

Located in New York City, Juilliard offers campus-life information covering living in the city, student affairs, well-being, academic support, disability services, public safety, and orientation for new students and families. International students have dedicated information within admissions and campus life. Prospective students can also review tuition, financial aid, scholarships, loans, student accounts, and work-study resources. The College Catalog, academic calendar, liberal arts information, faculty directory, library, and archives provide further context for planning study and understanding the wider school community.