Doctor of Music (D.M.A.) – Vocal Pedagogy
Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements
The D.M.A. in Vocal Pedagogy is not accepting new students at this time.
Acceptance as a graduate student is required. The applicant must have performance and teaching experience after receiving a master's degree from an accredited institution in vocal 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 a teacher of the applicant) attesting to the applicant’s past and potential ability as a performer and teacher;
- programs and critical reviews, if available;
- completed repertoire and professional experience record, obtainable at: https://music.catholic.edu/academics/graduate/index.html.
- Foreign language prerequisites include two semesters of undergraduate or master's level study in each of the following languages: Italian, French, and German, with a grade of B or better, taken at an accredited college or university as approved by the advisor and dean. In lieu of taking undergraduate courses, students who place into Italian 103, French 103, or German 103 on the University's Modern Language Test will be considered to have satisfied the prerequisite requirement in the given language(s).
- Successful completion of the following entrance examinations is required:
- a public recital of a program of 60 minutes duration selected by the advisor from works on the applicant's repertoire and professional experience record, that includes works of contrasting styles and demonstrating proficiency in at least two languages in addition to English;
- written examinations (two hours each):
- music history placement examination;
- music theory placement examination.
The applicant is responsible for the overall quality of the performance on all recitals required for the degree. Entrance recitals and placement examinations are given during the first and second semester registration periods. An interview with the advisor takes place after the examinations are completed.
Program of Study
Based on the results of the entrance examinations, the advisor, in consultation with the student, will arrange a program of study of 58 to 72 hours beyond the master's degree. The courses to be completed as part of the degree requirements will be communicated to each student by their advisor. The repertoire is to be selected in conjunction with the applied music instructor and with the approval of the advisor. All degree recitals are to include appropriate program notes and translations to be approved by the applied music instructor and the advisor. Although the program will be organized to meet the individual needs of each student, a typical program may include:
| Program of Study |
Semester Hours |
| Voice Private Instruction |
12 |
| Music History and Music Theory (by advisement) |
3-9 |
| Vocal Literature |
6-10 |
| Introduction to Vocal Pedagogy and Physiology MUS 535 |
2 |
| Vocal Pedagogy Practicum MUS 535A |
2 |
| Courses appropriate to the curriculum (by advisement) Note: Three MUPI credits may be permitted by advisement in the fulfillment of this requirement. |
9-15 |
| Minor (see below for details) |
12-18 |
| Research Paper: Directed Doctoral Research [MUS 993 (3 credits); MUS 993A (2 credits); MUS 993B (1 credit)] |
6 |
| The research paper must be in dissertation format and must explore in depth some aspect of vocal pedagogy or literature. |
|
| Required Recitals MUS 907 or 908 (two at 3 credits each) |
6 |
| Final Comprehensive Examination MUS 998A w/classes; MUS 998B w/o classes (see below) |
0 |
| Final Recital (sixty minutes duration; 90-day program assignment) MUS 997A w/classes; MUS 997B w/o classes |
0 |
| Total |
58-72 |