DMA in Composition Degree

• 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)

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.

• 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 III: Music History Proseminar 
• MUSI 738 Doctoral Individual Project

• 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

Examinations
 

• Piano proficiency
• Aural skills proficiency
• Written and oral qualifying examinations

• MUSI 800 Doctoral Document - 2 semesters

Students are required to submit an original composition of substantial dimensions. The composition must be publicly defended. 

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.

This degree plan was updated August 2023 and is intended for the 2023-24 academic year.