Doctor of Music (D.M.A.) – Piano Pedagogy
Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements
Acceptance as a graduate student is required. The applicant must have extensive performance and teaching experience after receiving a master's degree from an accredited institution in piano performance.
The applicant must submit the following to the advisory committee:
- as stated in the Admission Process section here, two letters of recommendation (one must be from a professional colleague, not teacher of the applicant) attesting to the applicant’s past and potential ability as a concert performer and teacher;
- programs and critical reviews, if available;
- completed repertoire and professional experience record.
- The applicant must successfully complete the following entrance requirements:
- a memorized 15-minute audition of classical repertoire. The audition should consist of three pieces in contrasting tempos and styles.
- written placement examinations (two hours each) in music history and music theory.
Placement examinations are given during the first and second semester registration periods, typically the Saturday before the start of a given term.
Program of Study
Based on the results of the entrance examinations, the advisory committee, in consultation with the student, will arrange a program of study of 55 to 72 hours beyond the master’s degree. The courses and repertoire to be completed as part of the degree requirements will be communicated to the student in writing. Although the program will be organized to meet the individual needs of the student, a typical program will include:
| Program of Study |
Semester Hours |
| Piano Private Instruction |
12 |
| Piano Literature |
3-9 |
| Piano Pedagogy |
12 |
| Chamber Music MUS 605 or 605A |
2 |
| Music History and Music Theory (by advisement) |
12-24 |
| Research Paper: Directed Doctoral Research [MUS 993 (3 credits); MUS 993A (2 credits); MUS 993B (1 credit)] |
6 |
| The research paper, on a topic approved by the D.M.A. committee, must explore in depth some aspect of piano pedagogy or literature. |
|
| Required Recitals (two options: see below) |
8 |
| Final Comprehensive Examination MUS 998A w/classes; MUS 998 w/o classes (see below) |
0 |
| Total |
55-72 |
Recital Option 1 (may be given in any order):
- a public lecture-demonstration recital and a written document, to be approved by the advisory committee, on a topic related to piano pedagogy or performance (MUS 907 or MUS 908, 3 semester hours);
- a public advisory pedagogy recital of solo repertoire (MUS 907 or MUS 908, 3 semester hours);
- a public chamber music recital (MUS 912, 2 semester hours).
Recital Option 2 (may be given in any order):
- a public lecture-demonstration recital and a written document, to be approved by the advisory committee, on a topic related to piano pedagogy or performance (MUS 907 or MUS 908, 3 semester hours);
- two public chamber music recitals (MUS 912 and MUS 913, 2 semester hours each);
- a public accompanying recital of vocal repertoire (MUS 914, 1 semester hour).
Final Comprehensive Examinations (MUS 998A w/classes; MUS 998B w/o classes) (see below)
The final comprehensive examinations may be scheduled, with the approval of the advisory committee, following the completion of coursework, recitals, and the research paper. They will include written examinations in piano pedagogy and literature, a teaching demonstration, and an oral examination by the advisory committee.