system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Musicology PhDs! Where you guys at?

I’m currently a vocal performance major at an undergraduate conservatory in Asia. I would love to pursue a PhD in musicology after my graduation and I’m slowly but surely learning the ropes in regards to reaching my goal (eg. GRE prep etc etc). However I understand that the niche nature of the musicological field, is such that there would be limited information out there for prospective candidates!

Current candidates, how did you all arrive at the decision to pursue a PhD and especially so for undergraduate performance majors, what did you all have to do, while still in a conservatory (eg. writing samples, research experience) to get to where you are right now?
gpt
Musicology is not that different from other humanities disciplines when it comes to preparing for grad school applications:

Do several independent studies (or whatever they are called in your institution) with several faculty members if that's an option. This way you get some research experience, have a few writing samples, get to experience different mentoring styles, figure out what your research interests are (musicology is a very diverse discipline), and most importantly decide whether musicological research is something you enjoy doing.

Take graduate musicology seminars if possible (if not, ask to audit but do all the work), and make friends with grad students.  If these are not available in your institution, look into other institutions (especially research universities) in your region. Attend all lectures, colloquia, symposia, and conferences in your region in musicology (and in other disciplines too—many musicological topics can well fit into other disciplines like history, anthropology, media studies, American studies, etc.).

When doing all of the above, be prepared at all times, ask good questions, and talk to people (it never hurts to mention that you're considering to do a PhD in musicology). Talk to grad students and professors about your goals as early as possible; seek guidance regarding essential readings for your specific interests, scholars whom you should know/cite, and specific programs to apply to. They might be able to connect you to potential advisors.

Most importantly, read musicological texts. Read a lot and read broadly; read beyond your interests and subdiscipline (HM, ethno, MT). Being able to show that you're familiar with the disciplinary landscapes will make your applications much more convincing.