The Department of Music at the University of Southampton (UK) The National Trust and the Arts and Humanities Research Council, announce TWO fully-funded collaborative PhD studentships, commencing 1 October 2013.

Project: The Making of the Modern Harpsichord.

This project aims to investigate the history of harpsichord revival in England, concentrating on the period from the mid-1930s onward, and to determine how the reinvention of the harpsichord by its advocates – musicians, collectors, cataloguers, instrument makers – influenced contemporary creative practice as well as fostering projects of historical revival. The practical context for the studentships will be provided by the National Trust, principally at Mottisfont Abbey, the childhood home of Raymond Russell – one of the most important figures in the mid-century early music revival – and at Fenton House (London) and Hatchlands (Surrey), both of which house important collections of period keyboard instruments.

Studentship one:

The student will prepare a thesis assessing Raymond Russell’s role in the British revival of the harpsichord, as a collector, cataloguer, historian, and benefactor. Requirement: excellent (upper second or first class) undergraduate degree in music, or in a cognate subject such as history or art history; and a relevant masters degree.

For further information: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/music/news/2013/05/29_two_phd_studentships_the_making_of_the_modern_harpischord.page?

Studentship two:

The student will prepare a short thesis and a portfolio of recitals and other musical events for a performance-led research degree on the practical manifestations of the British harpsichord revival. Required: proficiency in musical performance to a professional level, demonstrated by appropriate qualifications, equivalent to an excellent undergraduate degree in music and a relevant master’s degree or professional diploma.

For further information:  http://www.southampton.ac.uk/music/news/2013/05/29_two_phd_studentships_the_making_of_the_modern_harpischord.page?

Each AWARD provides: full fees UK/EU rate, maintenance of £13,726 per annum (2013-14 rate), CDA maintenance payment from the AHRC to help towards costs of working at both the University and the National Trust properties (currently £550), and a £1000 stipend p/a from The National Trust. Awards are available on either a full-time (3 years) or a part-time basis (6 years, pro rata) basis.Â

Eligibility: UK or EU candidates. In order to eligible for a full award you must have been resident in the UK for at least three years immediately prior to starting the proposed programme of study; this includes being resident for the purposes of study. An EU student without residency status is eligible for a fee-only award and the £1000 p/a stipend from the National Trust.

PROJECT SUPERVISORS: Prof Jeanice Brooks (l.j.brooks@soton.ac.uk) and Dr Laurie Stras (lastras@soton.ac.uk) to whom any inquiries in advance of application should be addressed

TO APPLY: send a covering letter (explaining your interest in the project and how you fit the criteria above) and a CV that includes the names of two referees to Dr Laurie Stras, Postgraduate Admissions Tutor, Department of Music, Building 2, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ; telephone: +44 (0)23 8059 2858; email lastras@soton.ac.uk. Please also arrange for two letters of reference to be sent to the same address to arrive by the closing date. We will request a sample of written work from shortlisted candidates immediately after the closing date.Â

CLOSING DATE: 28 June 2013

INTERVIEWS: 19 July 2013 (in Southampton)