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Music - Composition Concentration, (DMA)

USA

1

What will I learn?

The DMA degree is structured to allow maximum flexibility in designing a program around each student’s background and needs. Although the distribution of hours is firm, program requirements are to be regarded as general rather than fixed. The student’s preparation, experience, and stated goals are carefully evaluated before an individually selected course of study is prescribed.

Program objectives are: (1) competency in music theory, music history, advanced research, and pedagogical for classroom or studio; (2) preparation for college or university teaching; (3) preparation for auditions at orchestra or performing ensemble.

Composition

Music History and Music Theory (9 hours)

Students must take 3 hours of music history, 3 hours of music theory, and can choose between history or theory for the remaining 3 hours. Any graduate music theory or history course may be used for this requirement with the exception of individual studies, pedagogy, or repertory courses. Students with a cognate area in music history or theory may substitute electives for those credits in the core requirements.

Applied Lessons (15 hours)

Taken over five semesters.

MUTC 8501 - Composition Credit Hours: (2-6)

Cognate area in music (9 hours)

Requirements for cognates in the School of Music can be found in section 6.5 of the School of Music Graduate Handbook.

Dissertation (9 hours)

The dissertation will consist of a work of significant scope.

MUTC 9000 - Dissertation Credit Hours: (1-9)

Which department am I in?

College of Communication and Fine Arts

Study options

Full Time (42 Hours)

Tuition fees
US$18,514.00 per year
USD $18,514 for 18 credit hours. This fee is for 2023/2024 and may subject to change.

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2025

Venue

College of Communication and Fine Arts

MEMPHIS,

Tennessee,

38152, United States

Entry requirements

For international students

Baccalaureate Degree: The applicant must provide an official transcript showing that a bachelor’s degree was awarded by an accredited college or university. If you are a UofM undergraduate student applying to Graduate School at UofM, you do not need to request that an official transcript be sent to Graduate Admissions. This office has access to your transcript. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested. Only transcripts received directly from an issuing institution are considered official. Personal copies are not acceptable as official documents.

GPA: The applicant must have earned an acceptable grade point average, typically a minimum of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, but departments may make exceptions for students whose overall GPA does not adequately reflect their ability to succeed in their chosen field.

English proficiency test scores accepted by the University:

  • Duolingo English Test-110 or higher on the overall score.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 550 or higher on the paper version, 80 or higher on the internet-based test
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- 6.5 or higher
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) - 59 or higher

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About University of Memphis

A degree from the University of Memphis is much more than a qualification. It is a community and an experience which prepares students for success.

  • Affordable cost-of-living in vibrant city of Memphis
  • Excellent research credentials
  • Diverse international community of students
  • Scholarships and bursaries available

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