The challenges of supervision of a doctorate in practice-based research in music: perceptions of students and supervisors

Abstract

This paper interrogates the process of supervising a practice-based doctoral programin music. To date, there have been no studies documenting this process in music. Asthe first study of this type, the nature of supervision in relation to practice-basedresearch in music is investigated through the eyes of students and supervisors. Thepaper highlights the significant challenges of supervising the practice-based degreebut also reveals many positive outcomes for both students and supervisors working inthis field.Issues discussed include the encouragement of innovative research methods andforms of presentation along with the challenges of supervising cross-disciplinarywork. Drawing on data from students at the site, the relationship between coursework,artistic practice and more ‘traditional’ modes of supervision is examined. Studentsalso reflect on supervisors’ involvement in defining the scope of the study,maintaining work-life balance and managing this type of study from a distance. Otherthemes emerging from the students include shaping the end-product of practice-basedresearch and supervisor advice concerning the examination process. Similarly,academics’ perspectives of the supervisory process are presented. These includebalancing the needs of students who have considerable practical experience in theirfield with the necessary understanding of institutional imperatives. Locating suitableexemplars, supervisor wellbeing and the supervision of colleagues are also discussed.