You can also view this degree plan on the Rice University website here.
Composition Requirements - 30 semester hours
MUSI 601 Composition for Majors Advanced and Graduates – 6 semesters
MUSI 603 Graduate Composition Seminar - 6 semesters
MUSI 605 Advanced Electronic and Computer Music Systems
MUSI 606 Advanced Computer Sound Synthesis
MUSI 751 Doctoral Solo Recital (recitals of original compositions) - 2 recitals
Performance - 8 semester hours
Performance hours may be satisfied by any combination of private instrumental and/or vocal study, classes in conducting or score reading, or performance in large ensembles or sonata class. Piano lessons are strongly recommended. NOTE: Some of these courses may result in additional fees.
DMA Core Requirements - 18 semester hours
MUSI 611 Classroom Pedagogy
MUSI 711 Analytical Approaches
MUSI 733 Doctoral Seminar I: Career Skills
MUSI 735 Doctoral Seminar II: Repertory
MUSI 737 Doctoral Seminar in Musicology
MUSI 738 Doctoral Individual Project
Academic Coursework (in addition to core) - 27 semester hours
Music History – 15 semester hours
Music Theory – 12 semester hours
Electives – 7 semester hours
Electives must be 300 level or above. Graduate academic courses taken elsewhere may be transferred with the approval of the relevant Department Chair. Additional hours of required performance coursework may not count toward the elective requirement. However, up to three (3) semester hours of MUSI 649 Graduate Independent Study will count towards degree requirements.
Classroom Teaching
Students must complete the Classroom Teaching requirement.
Proficiencies
Piano proficiency
Aural skills proficiency
Written and oral qualifying examinations
Diagnostic examinations in music history and music theory are given prior to admission to the Shepherd School, and play an important role in the admissions decision. Weaknesses in these areas will be addressed by courses designated by the chairs of the respective departments and will count as electives. All doctoral students must also pass proficiency exams in aural skills and piano. These exams are scheduled at the beginning of each academic year. If required, MUSI 432 Graduate Aural Skills Review and/or MUSI 281 Secondary Piano must be taken, but neither will count towards the total number of hours required for the degree.
Doctoral Document - 6 semester hours
- MUSI 800 Dissertation - 2 semesters
Students are required to submit an original composition of substantial dimensions. The composition must be publicly defended.
Students are responsible for making certain that their plan of study meets all degree and major requirements. Please review the following link for additional information regarding University Requirements: http://ga.rice.edu.
A minimum of 96 semester hours must be successfully completed to earn this degree.
This degree plan was updated August 2024 and is intended for the 2024-25 academic year.