The D.M.A. program offers emphases in performance (applied instrument or chamber music), composition, jazz studies, and conducting.

Description

The Glenn Korff School of Music boasts a comprehensive faculty and an accommodating array of facilities. Westbrook Music Building houses a music library containing approximately 55,000 books, scores, and periodicals; 18,000 recordings; and computer listening and video booths. The Glenn Korff School of Music also maintains a music computer lab, a state-of-the-art music technology research classroom equipped with computers and software for music instruction, composition, and notation.

The performance complex consists of the Lied Center for Performing Arts, with stage dimensions sufficient for major touring production companies, and the Kimball Recital Hall. 

Career Pathways

• Performing Musician
• Collegiate Music Educator
• Studio Music Teacher
• Conductor
• Composer
• Music Critic

Specializations

Applying for Admission

Standard requirements for all graduate programs

• Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
• Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.

  If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.

  After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.

• If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.

  When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.

• If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
• Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.

Additional requirements specific to this program

• Refer to the Music Graduate Application Guide for the most complete information about Music requirements.
• Minimum English proficiency: Paper TOEFL 600, Internet TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.0.
• Academics: Minimum MM GPA 3.25
• Personal Statement: (500-700 words; Times, 12-point font; Word, rtf or pdf format; double-spaced.) Statement should be written by the applicant describing his/her future goals and how the D.M.A. can help attain those goals.
• Writing Sample: (Times, 12-point font; Word, rtf or pdf format; double-spaced.) This writing example should be of one of two kinds.
  • A. It may be an academic term paper of yours, complete with citations and bibliography.
  • B. Alternatively, you may submit an essay written specifically for this application, for which you select two compositions performed, conducted or originally composed from a recent Master's or Doctoral recital that represent different historical periods or contrasting styles/genres. In this newly written essay you should discuss the characteristics of style and form in each composition, and discuss each composer's contribution to THIS PARTICULAR GENRE OF MUSIC (i.e., discuss additional compositions, historical and/or theoretical significance of contribution, or compare/contrast your composition to well-known compositions of a similar genre or style).
  • Each writing sample must include this statement at the beginning: "On my honor, I have not received any unauthorized aid on this essay." Documents will also be subjected to random plagiarism software checks. Any violations of the honor code statement or evidence of plagiarism will result in the candidate's application being withdrawn from consideration.
• For Choral Conducting, Orchestral Conducting, and Wind Band Conducting only: Other Upload: Pre-Screening Videos. Prepare your two videos with content as described here, post them to a video-hosting platform (e.g. YouTube), create a PDF with links to these two videos, and upload the PDF in the application form's Other Upload slot. Video 1: Approximately 10 minutes of rehearsal footage demonstrating the applicant's abilities teaching, assessing, coaching, and developing ensemble skills. Video 2: Approximately 10 minutes of performance footage from the ensemble's perspective (conductor's face is visible) demonstrating the applicant's abilities as a creative colleague and performer. There is no restriction as to the profile of the ensemble (elementary, middle school, high school, college, professional/military, community). The applicant should select the footage that illustrates their best work in partnership with the ensemble. Careful consideration should be given to the quality of the repertoire and suitability for the ensemble's skills and for graduate conducting study.
• For Jazz Composition and Music Composition: Portfolio: 3 to 5 scores in an array of media and genres, in one PDF file. For Jazz Composition, they should be jazz genres.
• Recommenders: A minimum of 3 letters required; 4 recommended.
• Audition or Interview: Refer to the Department of Music for details.

Admission Application Deadlines

For financial consideration, apply by December 15 for fall admission.  Otherwise:

• For Fall Admission: Apply by July 1. International students are encouraged to apply by April 1.
• For Spring Admission: Apply by December 1. International students are encouraged to apply by October 1.