Graduate Studies
All MM degree programs have a strong emphasis on applied instrumental or vocal study and performance, as well as broad intellectual development. Major fields are Performance and Literature (vocal or instrumental), Music Composition, Conducting, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media, Music Education, Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music, and Early Music (emphasis on historical plucked instruments). For additional information please refer to the Master of Music Degree Program site or the MM/PRL Handbook.
The MA degree program emphasizes research and analysis, rather than performance. Applied study on an instrument or voice is not a required part of this curriculum, but may be studied for elective credit.
Candidates for the MA degree major in Music Composition, Music Education, Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory Pedagogy. Students who pursue an MA in Music Composition, Music Education, or Music Theory Pedagogy may complete these degrees as terminal degrees, or they may follow these degree programs in conjunction with other graduate degree programs, either simultaneously or consecutively. (The MA in Musicology and in Music Theory is normally awarded en passant to the PhD.) For additional information please refer to the Master of Arts Degree Program site.
The DMA degree program combines the highest level of applied study and performance with academic study and research. Only those who meet rigorous standards in musical performance and scholarship are accepted for candidacy.
The Eastman School was the first music school in the nation to award the DMA degree. In 1951, thanks in large part to Howard Hanson’s efforts, the National Association of Schools of Music authorized the DMA degree as a professional doctorate in music, recognizing doctoral-level work in artistic attainment with an emphasis on performance and teaching.
Eastman offers the DMA in Performance and Literature in bassoon, clarinet, double bass, guitar, harp, harpsichord, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, violoncello, and voice. The DMA is also offered in Music Composition, Conducting, Music Education, Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music, and Early Music (emphasis on historical plucked instruments). For additional information, please refer to the Doctor of Music Arts Degree Program site.
Eastman offers the PhD in Music Composition, Music Education, Musicology, and Music Theory. Like the MA, this doctoral program emphasizes research and analysis rather than performance. The PhD is awarded primarily for completion of scholarly research satisfactorily described in a dissertation, or for outstanding creative work in the field of composition.
Programs of study within the PhD curriculum are to a great extent designed by the students, with their own specific background and professional goals in mind. Applied study is not required, but may be selected. For additional information, please refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program site.
Diplomas are available in Orchestral Studies (for strings), Sacred Music, and Ethnomusicology. Students typically elect to add these certificate programs on to an MM or a DMA. For additional information, please refer to the Institute for Music Leadership site.
To request a Bulletin, graduate application, or find out more about Eastman’s auditions and application process, please go to the Admissions section.
Questions concerning our graduate programs may be addressed to the individual departments, or to:
Graduate Office
Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs Street
Rochester, NY 14604-2599
Telephone: 585-274-1560
Email: cmccamman@esm.rochester.edu