Hi, all — I'm interested in learning about the experience of people who've applied to PhD programs, especially in ethnomusicology (whether you were successful or not ). I'm currently in a master's program in composition (graduating in 2016) at a top-tier conservatory, but with rather weak academic offerings... but, I do have a solid social sciences background with plenty of research and some ethnography experience, and significant world music performance experience, if that counts. All my potential LOR writers are from my undergrad though, and I'm concerned whether that will be taken against me. I will also most likely take a year off of school so I can prepare my applications more thoroughly; but I'm worried that will be viewed as 'wasting my time,' on top of the time I've already spent in composition. Am I worrying too much? So, in summary (sort of): - Anyone out there who got into a PhD program with a performance/composition background? How did manage your application? - What kind of writing sample did you submit? Was it in ethnomusicology? - How solid were your research interests when you applied? Thanks in advance to anyone who replies!