Guiding Principles

DMA in Music Performance

The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Music Performance is a practice-based doctorate degree designed for individuals who have completed a master’s degree in music performance and intend to pursue faculty positions at the collegiate level or leadership positions in the music industry. 

The purpose of the proposed DMA in Music Performance is to prepare musicians to pursue performance, scholarly, and teaching careers at the highest levels. A unique feature of this proposed program, in comparison to DMA programs at peer institutions in New York state and across the country, is the requirement that students undertake study in a secondary field -- a sub-specialization -- to expand their knowledge base, enhance their leadership skills, and further prepare them to work and thrive in the music industry. 

Program Goals

By the end of their studies, DMA students will be able to: 

• Demonstrate comprehensive and intensive knowledge of music literature and history, music theory, pedagogy, performance practice, and repertoire.

• Develop individualized interpretations of repertoire based upon their ability to synthesize their accumulated musicianship and scholarship.

• Design, conduct, and communicate – in both written and oral formats – scholarship related to their primary field of music performance.

• Effectively teach their instrument and courses that fall within the scope of music performance at the collegiate level to musicians from a variety of backgrounds and musical experiences.

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of a secondary field of study related to the music industry.