This is the most important page for successful completion of your application to the Shepherd School of Music. For this reason, we ask that you refer to this page to be sure you have completed every applicable step. Final admissions decisions will be released by April 1.
Two Critical Requirements:
- All application attachments must be in .pdf format.
- The application will close at the end of December 1 at 11:59 pm (EST).
Application Checklist
Application and Fees
Due December 1
Submit with all supplemental materials and non-refundable application fee of $85.
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.
Statement of Purpose
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 online or use the paper version, if necessary.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts attached to the application, Due: December 1
Official transcripts with Fall, 2023 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 and Masters 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 Artist Diploma. 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.
Audition Details
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.
TOEFL Score
Due: January 3
Required if your previous degree is not from a U.S. institution or your native language is not English. Please see the FAQ section for specific testing options for Fall, 2024.