Application Checklist
Application and Fees
Due December 1†
Submit with all supplemental materials* and a non-refundable application fee of $85.
Doctoral Application Fee Waiver Weeks (October 14 - November 1, 2026)
This program, offered by Rice's Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, is run annually and is open to all eligible domestic and international students. This waiver will be available for students worldwide to request from Oct. 14 - Nov. 1, or until all available waivers have been issued.
For questions about the Fee Waiver Weeks, please email gradadmissions@rice.edu.
Additional Application Fee Waiver Opportunity:
Rice University is waiving application fees for doctoral applicants who are graduates of institutions in Texas and bordering states Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico or who have a permanent address in these states.
Degree Specific Questions
Due: December 1
Applicants are required to submit answers to the following questions in the supplemental information section of the application:
1. What would be your ideal first job after completing a doctorate? In addition to studying with a specific teacher, which aspects of our D.M.A. degree do you think will help you achieve your goal?
2. What music classes would you like to teach in your first job? Which, if any, do you feel qualified to teach right now? Please describe your teaching experience in both studio and classroom situations.
3. What music course do you wish had been available to you, or that you could have taken but didn't, as an undergraduate student? Describe it.
4. The Shepherd School of Music has a small student population by design, especially at the doctoral level. Each student therefore has the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the school. Please describe what you would contribute.
Four Letters of Recommendation
Due: December 10
Recommendations can be submitted via the Graduate Application or use the paper version, if necessary.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts attached to the application: Due December 1
Official transcripts with Fall 2026 grades: Due: February 1
A cumulative minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required on the Bachelor's transcript. DMA applicants need to submit the Bachelor's and Master's transcripts to complete their application. For more information, please see the FAQ section.
Expository Writing Sample
Due: December 1
Submit an example of expository writing in English dealing with a subject that relates to music. A recent research or analysis paper will suffice. The paper should demonstrate: (1) a sufficient command of the English language to pursue academic course work and ultimately to write the doctoral document in English; (2) the ability to gather and report material effectively from various academic sources; and (3) original insight into the topic of the paper. All ideas cited in the paper that do not originate with the author must be documented using an accepted bibliographic form. For those unfamiliar with the basics of academic writing, the following textbook might be useful: Richard Wingell, Writing about Music: An Introductory Guide, 3rd ed. (Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2002).
Complete Repertoire List
Due: December 1
Instrumentalists: Your repertoire list should include all solo, chamber, and concerto works that you have performed prior to application for the Doctor of Musical Arts.
Vocalists: Your repertoire list should include art songs, arias, chamber music, orchestral works, oratorio, opera roles, and scenes that you have performed prior to this application for the Doctor of Musical Arts.
Prescreening Submission
Online submission of the prescreening files as directed on the application and as shown on the Audition page.
Diagnostic Exams
Diagnostic exams in music theory and history. Each test is 2 1/2 - 3 hours in length and are required of applicants who are invited to audition. These online exams are completed in January, evaluate your current knowledge and must be completed without any outside assistance.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Due: January 3
Applicants who are foreign nationals and those whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency*. Performance diplomas or certificates do not suffice as a degree.
This can be shown by any of the following:
- Proof of degree from an accredited U.S. high school, college, or university.
- A qualified TOEFL** score as below:
- For exams taken before January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100
- For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 5
- At least 7 on the IELTS.
- At least 120 on the Duolingo test of English proficiency.
- Proof of completion (or expected completion) of a post-secondary degree from an institution where the official language of instruction is in English*.
*For more information and the list of countries and/or universities where the official language of instruction is English, please Click Here. Any questions about how to prove English Language Proficiency should be directed to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Admissions Office.
**Only the best composite TOEFL score is accepted; my Best scores are not accepted. The TOELF ITP Plus is not accepted.