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.
Conducting
Music History and Music Theory (6 hours)
3 hours of music history and 3 hours of music theory. 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 5 semesters
MUAP 8701 - Conducting 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.
Major Field Area (9 hours)
Area requirements for the major field can be found in section 6.5 of the School of Music Graduate Handbook.
Dissertation Equivalent (6 hours)
Three public recitals of repertory approved by the doctoral committee are required. A formal research document on a topic approved by the committee will also be submitted to the Graduate School after the final defense; music covered by this document will also appear on one of the recitals. The 6 hours of dissertation equivalent must include at least 4 hours of MUAP 8999 and at least 1 hour of MUAP 9000.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
College of Communication and Fine Arts
MEMPHIS,
Tennessee,
38152, United States
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:
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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.
