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Doctor of Musical Arts

Overview

The Graduate College accepts prospective candidates for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts. The degree requires demonstration of distinguished attainment in the field. Information about the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a concentration in music theory or music education is found in our Programs Search.

All requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree are the same as those for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, with the exception of a minimum residence requirement of 3 semesters of full-time academic work in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at the University of Arizona.

Composition Emphasis

Approval of an emphasis in composition will be based upon evidence of creative talent and a knowledge of craftsmanship in writing music. In lieu of a dissertation, the candidate must compose a major work of approximately 30 minutes duration. Registration for a minimum of 18 units of dissertation credit is required during the preparation of the composition. The candidate is to submit the composition electronically after approval by the School of Music and Dance and all members of the examining committee. The abstract addresses the formal, stylistic and technical elements of the composition. The School of Music and Dance, at its option, may require an additional copy for its files. Regulations governing publication of the composition are the same as those governing publication of a Ph.D. dissertation. In addition to the composition of extended major work, a recital consisting of the candidate's compositions in several forms and a variety of media must be presented.

Performance Emphasis

In lieu of a dissertation, the candidate must present four recitals:

  1. A solo recital during the first semester in residence,

  2. A program of vocal and/or instrumental chamber music,

  3. A lecture-recital, and

  4. A solo recital.

No more than one recital is permitted per semester. Registration for 20 units of 925 doctoral recital credit is required during the preparation of the recitals, with a maximum of 9 units during any regular semester. Each recital will be evaluated independently by the student's advisory committee. If the candidate's performance is judged unsatisfactory, an additional recital composed of different literature must be performed. In no case will a candidate be permitted to remain in the program should more than one recital be determined unsatisfactory. The candidate will prepare and submit a formal document in connection with the lecture-recital. This document, based on an aspect of performance or performance practice, must show evidence of the candidate's ability to select and organize data pertinent to the study. The document must be an original contribution to the field of knowledge in the candidate's chosen subject area, and must demonstrate the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in writing. Following a successful Final Oral Defense Examination, the candidate submits the document (approved and accepted by the School of Music and Dance and all members of the examination committee) electronically for delivery to the University Library.

Conducting Emphasis

Requirements are the same as those for Performance (above), with the exception that conductors generally fulfill each recital requirement (except the lecture recital) through several performances with major university ensembles. Conductors work in a secondary conducting area for the second recital. Following a successful Final Oral Defense Examination, the candidate submits the lecture document (approved and accepted by the School of Music and Dance and all members of the examining committee) electronically to the Graduate College, for delivery to the University Library.