06.03.09 DMA – Major in Composition
Prerequisites: Prerequisites for the DMA in Composition include a master’s degree in composition or a related field. Before entrance, the composition department reviews the submitted materials consisting of compositions and recordings, transcripts, letters of reference, and scholarly writings (masters-level papers).
Upon entry to the program, students take placement exams in music theory and history. If remediation is required, the appropriate courses are taken, but their credit does not count towards the degree. The same is true of any English-language instruction and/or instruction in bibliography that is required.
Residency: At least one year of full-time study is required. See section 05.01 (Residency) for more information.
| Requirement | Credits |
| Composition CMP 401, 402, 501, 502 (Advanced Composition I-IV) CMP 501 and CMP 502 may be repeated for credit in place of CMP 401 and CMP 402 | 12 |
| Applied music study (460 – 3 credits per semester)Three semesters minimum, two of which must be consecutive. | 9-12 |
Research and Writing Seminars
Other substitutions require approval from the student’s advisor and the Graduate Professional Committee. |
12 |
Theory and Compositional Practice Complete the following three courses for a total of 9 credits:
With special permission of the theory department chair, TH 511 may be substituted for TH 401. |
9 |
| CMP 596 (DMA Dissertation Project)For the dissertation, the student must create an original composition of acceptable depth, sophistication, and professionalism that is prepared with the guidance of the dissertation advisor. | 8 |
| Electives/Minor Field The student, in consultation with the advisor, will incorporate into his/her program of study 7-10 elective credits. Composition and applied-music courses will not count towards this requirement, with the exception of CMP 421 and CMP 422. Most often, these credits will be in music history or theory courses, although other options are possible. Theory courses must be numbered 401 or higher for program credit. See section 06.03.05 (Program of Study – DMA) for additional restrictions on electives. | 7-10 |
| Remedial courses – Please refer to 05.03 Orientation, Placement Examinations, and Remediation. | – |
| Total Credits | 60 |
Jury: Juries are required for DMA composition students in order to ratify their applied music studies, and shall be performed as specified by the department of the student’s primary instrument.
Foreign Language: There is no foreign-language requirement for this major, except in those instances where the knowledge of a foreign language is essential to the student’s research or other work in a specific field.
Doctoral Recitals: Two recitals are required comprising works by the composer and works performed by the composer on his or her major instrument. In this last category, a standard work, either twentieth century or pre-twentieth century is required. Students may conduct as part of the recital program, but conducting alone does not satisfy the instrumental or vocal performance requirement. Students will register for these recitals during the semester that they occur as follows: ESM 501 (First Doctoral Recital); ESM 502 (Second Doctoral Recital). A lecture recital is not required for students in this major.
Comprehensive Examinations: Required. Please see section 06.03.07 (Comprehensive Examinations – DMA) for further information.
