Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Music D.M.A.

School of Music
College of Liberal Arts
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of School of Music, 100 Ferguson Hall, 2106 4th Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55455 ( 612- 624-5093; fax: 612-624-8001)
Email: mnmusic@umn.edu
Website: http://www.music.umn.edu
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2017
  • Length of program in credits: 85 to 90
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Doctor of Musical Arts
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The School of Music offers the degrees of master of arts (M.A.), master of music (M.M.), doctor of musical arts (D.M.A.), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). Specific degree plans and emphases are listed in each degree's program requirements.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
Applicants interested in doctoral level study must hold a master's degree in an appropriate field of study.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with a major emphasis in one of the following areas of music: musicology/ethnomusicology, theory and/or composition, performance, or music education/therapy. The performance degree (D.M.A.) requires an audition for admission. The conducting degree (D.M.A.) requires a preliminary DVD, an audition, and interview for admission.
Special Application Requirements:
For some areas of performance, a preliminary DVD may be required prior to scheduling an audition.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
74 to 79 credits are required in the major.
0 credits are required outside the major.
20 thesis credits are required.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
Language Requirement: Varies according to field.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 2 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
The doctor of musical arts offers and emphases in piano, organ, voice, guitar, collaborative piano/coaching, conducting, and instrumental performance (violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, and percussion).
Research Requirement
MUS 5611 - Resources for Music Research (3.0 cr)
Recital Credits
Must take 20 credits unless admitted into a secondary area by the School of Music.
Take 12 - 20 credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 8999 - Recital Credits: Doctoral (2.0-4.0 cr)
Thesis Credits
Take 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral (1.0-24.0 cr)
Electives
Take 6 credits at the 5xxx or 8xxx level either inside or outside the School of Music. May include courses from any UMN department but only include up to 3 credits of ensemble.
Emphases
1. Instrumental Performance
Applied Lessons
Take 32 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUSA 8xxx
Courses Directly Related to Emphasis
Chosen in consultation with adviser and Director of Graduate Studies
Take 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 5xxx
· MUS 8xxx
Music Theory or Musicology Courses
At least 3 credits must be taken in each area at the University of Minnesota.
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
Theory
MUS 45xx* MUS 55xx MUS 85xx * In order for this course to count, students must also register for 55xx or 85xx at any point.
· Musicology/Ethnomusicology
MUS 58xx MUS 56xx MUS 86xx MUS 88xx
Ensemble
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
MUS 54xx
-OR-
2. Organ Emphasis
Applied Lessons
Take 32 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUSA 8303 - Organ: Music Major (graduate) (2.0-4.0 cr)
Courses Directly Related to Emphasis
MUS 5151 - Organ Literature I (3.0 cr)
MUS 5152 - Organ Literature II (3.0 cr)
MUS 8131 - Advanced Keyboard Skills (2.0 cr)
MUS 8133 - Seminar in Basso Continuo (3.0 cr)
Ensemble Participation
Ensemble Participation - Students enrolled in lessons are required to register concurrently for one of these ensembles which are at the 5xxx level.
Take 2 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 5xxx
Music Theory or Musicology Courses
At least 3 credits must be taken in each area at the University of Minnesota.
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
Theory
MUS 45xx* MUS 55xx MUS 85xx * In order for this course to count, students must also register for 55xx or 85xx at any point.
· Musicology/Ethnomusicology
MUS 58xx MUS 56xx MUS 86xx MUS 88xx
-OR-
3. Piano Emphasis
Applied Lessons
Take 32 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUSA 8301 - Piano: Music Major (graduate) (2.0-4.0 cr)
Courses Directly Related to Emphasis
MUS 5181 - Advanced Piano Literature I (2.0 cr)
MUS 5182 - Advanced Piano Literature II (2.0 cr)
MUS 8131 - Advanced Keyboard Skills (2.0 cr)
Music Theory or Musicology Courses
At least 3 credits must be taken in each area at the University of Minnesota.
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
Theory
MUS 45xx* MUS 55xx MUS 85xx * In order for this course to count, students must also register for 55xx or 85xx at any point.
· Musicology
MUS 56xx MUS 86xx MUS 88xx
-OR-
4. Guitar Emphasis
Applied Lessons
Take 32 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUSA 8xxx
Courses Directly Related to Emphasis
Take 2 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 5461 - Guitar Literature (2.0 cr)
· MUS 5466 - Guitar Pedagogy (2.0 cr)
Music Theory or Musicology Courses
At least 3 credits must be taken in each area at the University of Minnesota.
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
Theory
MUS 45xx* MUS 55xx MUS 85xx * In order for this course to count, students must also register for 55xx or 85xx at any point.
· Musicology/Ethnomusicology
MUS 58xx MUS 56xx MUS 86xx MUS 88xx
Ensemble Participation
MUS 54xx (2.0 cr)
-OR-
5. Voice Emphasis
Applied Lessons
Take 32 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUSA 8304 - Voice: Music Major (graduate) (2.0-4.0 cr)
Courses Directly Related to Emphasis
Take 10 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUS 5271 - Diction for Singers I (2.0 cr)
· MUS 5272 - Diction for Singers II (2.0 cr)
· MUS 5275 - Vocal Pedagogy I (3.0 cr)
· MUS 5276 - Vocal Pedagogy II (3.0 cr)
· MUS 5241 - Vocal Literature I (3.0 cr)
· MUS 5242 - Vocal Literature II (3.0 cr)
· MUS 8182 - Opera History in Context: Monteverdi and Mozart (3.0 cr)
· MUS 8183 - Opera History in Context: Verdi and Britten (3.0 cr)
Music Theory or Musicology Courses
At least 3 credits must be taken in each area at the University of Minnesota.
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
Theory
MUS 45xx* MUS 55xx MUS 85xx * In order for this course to count, students must also register for 55xx or 85xx at any point.
· Musicology/Ethnomusicology
MUS 58xx MUS 56xx MUS 86xx MUS 88xx
Ensemble Participation
Course offerings vary by semester.
Take 2 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUSA 5xxx
-OR-
6. Collaborative Piano
Applied Lessons
Take 32 or more credit(s) from the following:
· MUSA 8324 - Accompanying/Coaching: Music Major (graduate) (2.0-4.0 cr)
Courses Directly Related to Emphasis
MUS 8131 - Advanced Keyboard Skills (2.0 cr)
MUS 8110 - Sonata Seminar (2.0 cr)
MUS 8170 - Advanced Vocal Accompanying Skills and Repertoire (2.0 cr)
MUS 8133 - Seminar in Basso Continuo (3.0 cr)
MUS 8112 - Instrumental Repertoire: Reduction and Realization (2.0 cr)
MUS 8181 - Operatic Accompaniment Skills and Repertoire (2.0 cr)
Music Theory or Musicology Courses
At least 3 credits must be taken in each area at the University of Minnesota.
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
Theory
MUS 45xx* MUS 55xx MUS 85xx * In order for this course to count, students must also register for 55xx or 85xx at any point.
· Musicology/Ethnomusicology
MUS 58xx MUS 56xx MUS 86xx MUS 88xx
-OR-
7. Conducting
Major Area
Take 32 or more credit(s) from the following:
•20 Credits in the primary area of concentration (a maximum of 4 credits of conducting may be transferred from the master’s degree into the primary area) •8 Credits in a secondary area •4 Credits in a tertiary area
· MUS 8450 - Graduate Seminar in Conducting (3.0-4.0 cr)
Music Theory or Musicology Courses
At least 3 credits must be taken in each area at the University of Minnesota.
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
Theory
MUS 45xx* MUS 55xx MUS 85xx * In order for this course to count, students must also register for 55xx or 85xx at any point.
· Musicology/Ethnomusicology
MUS 58xx MUS 56xx MUS 86xx MUS 88xx
Other Areas of Music
“Choral and Instrumental Performance Pedagogy”: 4 credits
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
Music Electives
Take 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
Mus 5xxx, Courses directly related to the emphasis, e.g., literature, performance practice, conducting, secondary instrument, ensemble participation, or additional conducting credits.
· Take 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
Mus 5xxx, “Choral and Instrumental Performance Pedagogy”
 
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· College of Liberal Arts

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MUS 5611 - Resources for Music Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Development of skills in identifying, locating, and evaluating resources for research in music. Computer-searching techniques, acquaintance with basic reference sources in the field, preparation of the music research paper. prereq: 3603
MUS 8999 - Recital Credits: Doctoral
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 20.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Registration for recital credits coincides with performance of D.M.A. recital (five recitals for 20 credits). prereq: DMA student, instr consent
MUS 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
Credits: 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
MUSA 8303 - Organ: Music Major (graduate)
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 48.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUS 5151 - Organ Literature I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Organ literature from the 14th century to the mid-18th century. Influence of organ design of various periods and national schools on the literature and its performance. prereq: 3502, 3603, sr or grad or instr consent
MUS 5152 - Organ Literature II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Organ literature of J. S. Bach and of other 19th- and 20th-century composers. Influence of organ design of various periods and national schools on the literature and its performance. prereq: 3502, 3603, sr or grad or instr consent
MUS 8131 - Advanced Keyboard Skills
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Diatonic/chromatic tonal harmony applied to keyboard. Emphasizes harmonization, transposition, and improvisation. Open score and clef reading using alto, tenor, and soprano clefs. prereq: Grad student in music or instr consent
MUS 8133 - Seminar in Basso Continuo
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Realization of figured basses (bass lines annotated with Arabic numerals indicating harmony) and performance of continuo parts in European concerted music from 17th/18th centuries at keyboard. Emphasizes developing stylistic accompaniment skills at harpsichord/organ. prereq: Grad student in Music or instr consent
MUSA 8301 - Piano: Music Major (graduate)
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 48.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUS 5181 - Advanced Piano Literature I
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even, Spring Odd Year
Literature for piano from late Baroque period to mid-20th century. prereq: grad piano major or instr consent
MUS 5182 - Advanced Piano Literature II
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Literature for piano from late Baroque period to mid-20th century. prereq: grad piano major or instr consent
MUS 8131 - Advanced Keyboard Skills
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Diatonic/chromatic tonal harmony applied to keyboard. Emphasizes harmonization, transposition, and improvisation. Open score and clef reading using alto, tenor, and soprano clefs. prereq: Grad student in music or instr consent
MUS 5461 - Guitar Literature
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
This course is principally intended for guitar majors (graduate and undergraduate students). The main focus of this course is to introduce students to guitar literature, through the historical overview of the repertoire, classical guitar composers, and performers. It will also introduce students to method books, in chronological order (through an examination of specific styles and "performance practices") and teaching methods through the history of guitar and guitar literature intended for technique development (studies, exercises, etc.).
MUS 5466 - Guitar Pedagogy
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Intended for guitar performance majors. This course will introduce basic teaching concepts/methods/philosophies and examine method books, studies, and methodology through the history of classical guitar. Other topics (e.g., starting a studio, developing promotional material/website, contemporary teaching methods) will be addressed. prereq: Guitar performance major or instr consent
MUSA 8304 - Voice: Music Major (graduate)
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 48.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUS 5271 - Diction for Singers I
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Principles and techniques of singing in English, Italian, Spanish, German, and French. International Phonetic Association alphabet used. prereq: 12 cr MusA 1304 or grad music major or instr consent
MUS 5272 - Diction for Singers II
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Principles and techniques of singing in English, Italian, Spanish, German, and French. International Phonetic Association alphabet used. prereq: 12 cr MusA 1304 or grad music major or instr consent
MUS 5275 - Vocal Pedagogy I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced study of mind/body preparations for singing, anatomy, and physiology of the vocal mechanism. Voice use and care, historical and comparative pedagogy, learning theories, models and guidelines for teaching, instructional techniques, and diagnosing and solving vocal problems. prereq: Sr vocal major or instr consent
MUS 5276 - Vocal Pedagogy II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
History of solo vocal performance; selection and preparation of beginning level solo vocal repertoire; development of vocal performance skills (interpretation, expression, artistry), recital programming, and vocal career counseling. prereq: Sr vocal major or instr consent
MUS 5241 - Vocal Literature I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Vocal literature of major/minor composers from 17th century to present. Structure, style, performance practice. prereq: [12 cr in MusA 1304, grad music student] or instr consent
MUS 5242 - Vocal Literature II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Vocal literature of major and minor composers from 17th century to present; structure, style, and performance practice. prereq: 12 cr in MusA 1104 or MusA 1304, grad music major or instr consent
MUS 8182 - Opera History in Context: Monteverdi and Mozart
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Development of opera in context of other artistic, social, cultural, and political events, movements, and changes. Focuses on two representative composers and some of their significant operas. prereq: Grad student in music or instr consent
MUS 8183 - Opera History in Context: Verdi and Britten
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Development of opera in context of other artistic, social, cultural, and political events, movements, and changes. Focuses on two representative composers and some of their significant operas. prereq: Grad student in music or instr consent
MUSA 8324 - Accompanying/Coaching: Music Major (graduate)
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 48.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Private instruction. prereq: Audition, dept consent
MUS 8131 - Advanced Keyboard Skills
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Diatonic/chromatic tonal harmony applied to keyboard. Emphasizes harmonization, transposition, and improvisation. Open score and clef reading using alto, tenor, and soprano clefs. prereq: Grad student in music or instr consent
MUS 8110 - Sonata Seminar
Credits: 2.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Performance in standard Baroque, Classical, and Romantic sonatas for piano and violin, cello, viola, flute, clarinet, or oboe. prereq: Accompanying emphasis, strings and winds by audition, instr consent
MUS 8170 - Advanced Vocal Accompanying Skills and Repertoire
Credits: 2.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Advanced performance (Lieder, melodie, opera) emphasizing coaching techniques and performance skills of pianists and singers. prereq: [French, German, Italian diction], accompanying or DMA voice emphasis or MM voice emphasis by audition
MUS 8133 - Seminar in Basso Continuo
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Realization of figured basses (bass lines annotated with Arabic numerals indicating harmony) and performance of continuo parts in European concerted music from 17th/18th centuries at keyboard. Emphasizes developing stylistic accompaniment skills at harpsichord/organ. prereq: Grad student in Music or instr consent
MUS 8112 - Instrumental Repertoire: Reduction and Realization
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Reducing orchestra scores, representing orchestral reductions at piano, working with conductors. Conductors join course in mid-semester. prereq: Grad student in accompanying/conducting
MUS 8181 - Operatic Accompaniment Skills and Repertoire
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Development of skills required in operatic accompanying/coaching work. Standard opera arias, cultivation of orchestral sound at the piano, stylistic traditions, working with conductors. prereq: Grad student with major in accompanying or in conducting
MUS 8450 - Graduate Seminar in Conducting
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 32.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Development of musicianship, conducting, rehearsal, and analytical skills. Repertoire, gesture, score study, interpretation, pedagogy, and performance presentation in wind band, orchestral, and choral conducting. Students meet twice weekly in group seminar, and prepare and participate in weekly conducting labs scheduled with all major University ensembles. prereq: Grad student in conducting or instr consent