University College Programs
Doctor of Musical Arts degree (D.M.A., D.Mus.A. or A.Mus.D. ) is a doctoral academic degree in music. The D.M.A. combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization (usually music performance, composition, or conducting) with graduate-level academic study in subjects such as music history, music theory, or music pedagogy. The D.M.A. degree, which takes about three years of full-time study to complete, prepares students to be professional performers, conductors, and composers. As a terminal degree, the D.M.A. qualifies its recipient to be work in university, college, and conservatory teaching and research positions.D.M.A. is widely available in performance (sometimes with a specialization in pedagogy and/or literature), composition, and conducting. The D.M.A. degree was pioneered by Boston University, which offered its first D.M.A. program in 1955. In 2005, Boston University also expanded into online music education by launching the first online doctoral degree in music, a D.M.A. program (along with a Master of Music program) in music education. Some universities awarding doctoral degrees in these areas use the title Doctor of Music (D.M. or D.Mus.) or Doctor of Arts (D.A.) instead of D.M.A.
The Doctor of Musical Arts in music education is less common. Doctorates in music education are more commonly awarded as a research-oriented Ph.D., with the Ed.D and the Doctor of Music Education (D.M.E.) being other options. The terminal degree in music theory, musicology, and ethnomusicology is typically the Ph.D..
D.M.A. students typically complete applied studies, such as lessons or mentoring with a professor, and take courses within their area of specialization. In many D.M.A. programs, all of the different D.M.A. streams (e.g., performance, composition, conducting) take a common core of music theory and music history courses. Many D.M.A. programs require students to pass a comprehensive exam on their area of specialization and on subjects such as music history and music theory. The last stage of the D.M.A. degree is usually the completion of a thesis, dissertation, or research project and the performance of recitals, usually including at least one lecture-recital.
Some programs additionally require a sub-specialization in a cognate area within music, such as music history or performance practice, which contributes to their area of specialization. For example, a student doing a D.M.A. in Baroque violin might do a sub-specialization in Baroque music history or Baroque-era dance.
To be admitted to a D.M.A. degree program, most institutions require a M.Mus. degree or an M.A. degree in music or a related field, usually with a grade average of "B+" or higher. In rare cases, some schools will conditionally admit a gifted student with a highly-respected B.Mus. degree (e.g., a virtuoso performer with a B.Mus. from the Juilliard School). D.M.A. programs in performance usually require an audition that includes advanced pieces from a wide range of styles, ranging from a J.S. Bach suite or Mozart concerto to a 2000s-era modern composition. Admission to doctoral programs in conducting often require a video recording of a live rehearsals and performances as a pre-screening element. Composition programs usually require the submission of a portfolio of compositions, including scores and recordings of live performances.