Music: Performance and Composition, Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree requires the satisfactory completion of a significant body of coursework that, in the student's and Graduate Advisor's judgement, prepares the student for the preliminary examination that leads to admission to candidacy, as well as certain specific courses required in each area of specialization. A grade of B- or better is required in all courses used to fulfill requirements for the degree. A dissertation (whether written, or in project form) is required for all doctoral degrees in music. A principal advisor for the dissertation will be chosen by the student and the academic advisor; the principal advisor and the student will then nominate the remaining members of the dissertation committee. The student must submit a detailed prospectus of the dissertation to the members of the dissertation committee and the graduate director, and must be admitted to candidacy prior to the approval of the dissertation committee by the Graduate School. The dissertation must be successfully defended before the entire dissertation committee. The Doctor of Musical Arts degree requires a Written Dissertation, a Recording Project, a Performance Project, or a Musical Composition. Some Doctoral of Musical Arts degrees have an option of a Written Dissertation or a Performance Dissertation.

D.M.A. in Composition

Non-course requirements for composition students include a pre-candidacy scholarly paper and a recital presentation of original music composed while in the degree program at Maryland. The recital presentation must take place prior to the defense of the dissertation project.

D.M.A. in Conducting

Non-course requirements for conducting students include proficiencies in diction, voice, and piano. Students must also submit a pre-candidacy paper.

Choral Conducting Specialization

Orchestral Conducting Specialization

Wind Conducting Specialization

D.M.A. in Performance

All students in the Performance track must also submit a pre-candidacy paper. Additional non-course requirements may vary in each specialization.