Composition, D.M.A.

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Doctor of Musical Arts

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree program is designed to develop the complete musician, emphasizing both the highest level of musicianship and practical scholarly insight. Each curriculum is intended to prepare the respective candidate for a career at the most advanced level of performance, teaching, or composition.

Completion of the D.M.A. usually takes a minimum of two full years beyond the master’s degree. The first year should be spent in residence, implying full-time status with a minimum course load of 9 credits per semester. One summer session prior to residence is permitted. Doctor of Musical Arts programs must be completed within seven years from the date of matriculation.

The D.M.A. consists of an area of concentration and an elective minor area.

Piano majors require 28 hours of accompanying or comparable assignment with an instrumental performing organization.

Total credits for degree: 54–66

Major Area (36 credits)

COM/TH - Courses in music composition, music theory 24 credit(s) ¹
TE 660 - Dissertation 2–6 credit(s) (6 credits required)
TE 661 - Dissertation 2–6 credit(s) (6 credits required)

Other Studies (18-30 credits)

HLM 615 - Pro-seminar in Music History 3 credit(s) ²
HLM - Music history electives 9 credit(s)
Minor area or electives 6–18 credit(s)

Note(s):

¹TH 611 , TH 612 , TH 613 , TH 614 - Graduate Ear Training Review Requirement (must be taken first if required per placement exam).

²HLM 611 , HLM 612 , HLM 613 - Graduate Music History Review: Romantic and Early 20th-Century Music (must be taken first if required per placement exam)

HLM 611 , HLM 612 , and HLM 613 , and TH 611 , TH 612 , TH 613 , and TH 614 do not fulfill requirements in music history or music theory.