The doctorate involves the formulation and public defence of thorough and in-depth research work, conducted in close collaboration between the doctoral student and the thesis supervisor (or co-supervisor).

Theses conducted within the Department might address themes concerning the following:
– Discourses on music (historiography, press, composers' writings)
– Cultural history of music
– History of music in France (19^th-20^th centuries)
– History and dramaturgy of musical theatre (17^th-21^st century)
– Vocal music and literature (17^th-21^st century)
– Baroque music and emotions
– Musical patronage in Italy (17^th century)
– Swiss Music
– Film music
– Opera staging
– Relationship between music and visuals (opera and concert relays)
– Gender Studies

Joint doctoral seminars are organised with the Musicology chairs of the Swiss universities. Various other opportunities may arise during the writing of the thesis: attendance and/or organisation of conferences, study days.

Professors who are eligible to supervise theses

• Prof. Andrea Garavaglia

Areas of specialisation:
– Baroque musical dramaturgy
– Vocal music and literature
– Baroque music and history of emotions
– Musical patronage in Italy (17^th century)
– Gender studies: women's representation, female patronage in the Baroque era

• Prof. Federico Lazzaro

Areas of specialisation:
– Music and the press in French-speaking countries (19^th-20^th centuries)
– History and cultural history of music in France, 1870-1950
– Music and nationalism (from 1850)
– Discourses on music (historiography, press, composers' writings)

• PD Dr Delphine Vincent

Areas of specialisation:
– Swiss and French Music (since 1850)
– Contemporary Musical Dramaturgy/Contemporary Opera
– Film music
– Opera staging
– Relationship between music and visuals (opera and concert relays)
– Gender Studies/Female Composers

Theses can be supervised in French, German, English or Italian.