DMA in Viola Performance Degree

You can also view this degree plan on the Rice University website here.

MUSI 693 Advanced Viola for Majors – 8 semesters, six (6) taken as a DMA student 
MUSI 635 Advanced Orchestra (taken while a DMA student) – 4 semesters* 
MUSI 751 Doctoral Recitals (5 performed while a DMA student): two (2) solo; one (1) lecture; one (1) chamber and one (1) concerto with orchestra; or three (3) solo, one (1) lecture and one (1) chamber; or two (2) solo, one (1) lecture and two (2) chamber

*Students Pursuing the DMA degree on a string instrument must be enrolled in MUSI 635 Advanced Orchestra during four of their six semesters of residency. Within those four semesters are eight rotations which are generally fulfilled by two chamber orchestra rotations each semester. The student in consultation with their major teacher may choose from Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra or the Modular Ensemble Framework (MEF) for up to four of the eight rotations. They may also elect to enroll in one or two additional semesters or be required to do so by their major teacher. The student in consultation with their major teacher will choose the semesters for participation.

MUSI 492 String Technology

MUSI 611 Classroom Pedagogy  
MUSI 711 Analytical Approaches  
MUSI 733 Doctoral Seminar I: Career Skills  
MUSI 735 Doctoral Seminar II: Repertory   
MUSI 736 Solo Repertory for Doctoral Students 
MUSI 737 Doctoral Seminar in Musicology 
MUSI 738 Doctoral Individual Project 
MUSI 739 Pedagogy for Doctoral Students

Music History – 9 semester hours 
Music Theory – 6 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.

Students must complete the Classroom Teaching requirement.

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.

MUSI 750 Doctoral Document - 2 semesters (the document 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 90 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.