Doctor of Music (D.M.A.) – Vocal Performance

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 vocal performance. The applicant must submit the following to the advisory committee:

as stated in the Admission Process section here, two letters of recommendation (including one from a professional colleague, not teacher of the applicant) attesting to the applicant's past and potential ability as a performer;
programs and critical reviews, if available;
completed repertoire and professional experience record
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 through the university's Modern Language Test will be considered to have satisfied the prerequisite requirement in the given language(s).
The applicant must successfully complete the following entrance requirements:

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, to include works of contrasting styles and demonstrating proficiency in at least two languages in addition to English;
written examinations (two hours each): a. music history placement examination, b. 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 and entrance examinations are given during the first and second semester registration periods. An interview with the committee 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 62 to 81 hours beyond the master's degree. The courses to be completed as part of the degree requirements will be communicated to the student by the 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.

Each vocal performance major is expected to audition for all opera productions and actively participate as assigned by the voice faculty. This may entail specific roles or participation in opera chorus as needed.

Although the program will be organized to meet the individual needs of the student, a typical program may include:

Program of Study	Semester Hours
Voice Private Instruction (four semesters)	12
Music History and Music Theory (by advisement)	9-12
Vocal Literature	6-10
Introduction to Vocal Pedagogy and Physiology MUS 535	2
Courses appropriate to the curriculum (by advisement) Note: Three private instruction (MUPI) credits may be permitted by advisement in the fulfillment of these courses.	21-33
Four Recitals or Opera Roles MUS 907 or MUS 908	12
Final Recital MUS 997A w/classes; MUS 997B w/o classes	0
Total	62-81

A final 0-credit public recital (MUS 997A w/ classes; MUS 997B w/o classes) of approximately 60 minutes' duration, proposed by the candidate with the committee’s approval, is the final comprehensive examination. The program content of this recital will be communicated to the candidate 90 days in advance of the performance. To be prepared by the candidate without the aid of a teacher or coach, this recital should demonstrate high professional standards of performance.