Doctor of Musical Arts

The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) program is designed for musicians who seek to refine their musical skills, expand their repertoire, extend their performing experience, and deepen their understanding of music history and theory, and who have already demonstrated a professional level of accomplishment.

All requirements for the D.M.A. degree may be completed in three years of full-time residency. Specific requirements include six terms of private study in the candidate's major performance area, six terms of ensemble participation, and at least 15 credits (five courses) in music history, theory, and related areas of graduate study, including courses in historical performance practice, musical analysis, research methods, or other areas approved by the graduate director. A reading knowledge of German, French, or Italian is required; the language proficiency examination must be passed prior to comprehensive examinations. Each candidate prepares two solo recitals, two lecture-recitals, and one chamber music program. Directed research undertaken in connection with the lecture-recitals culminates in formal papers submitted for approval prior to the public presentation. In addition, all candidates participate during each term of residency in the D.M.A. Forum, which meets weekly for workshops, special lectures, and discussion of musical analysis, performance, text criticism, new music, music pedagogy, and other pertinent topics.

Each voice student performs at least one major role from an opera or oratorio (in some cases, this may substitute for one of the solo or chamber recitals). Students specializing in orchestral instruments are given a committee examination in the form of a professional orchestral audition.

After the completion of all requirements, candidates must pass written and oral comprehensive examinations in the literature of their performance specialty and related issues of music history, theory, and performance practice.