Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) is a doctoral level degree in music performance, composition, or conducting, preparing graduates for advanced professional careers or academia.
Careers open to music graduates
Institutions awarding this level in music (107)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- University of North Texas · Denton
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- Indiana University Bloomington · Bloomington
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- University of Rochester · Rochester
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- University of Georgia · Athens
- Boston University · Boston
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder
- University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City
- CUNY Graduate School and University Center · New York
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Lincoln
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- Manhattan School of Music · New York
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- University of Oregon · Eugene
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Ball State University · Muncie
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg
- Princeton University · Princeton
- Claremont Graduate University · Claremont
- Columbia University · New York
- University of Hartford · West Hartford
- Harvard University · Cambridge
- Yale University · New Haven
- University of Chicago · Chicago
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- University of Northern Colorado · Greeley
- Catholic University of America · Washington
- University of California, Riverside · Riverside
- Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland
- University of Houston · Houston
- Juilliard School · New York
- Stanford University · Stanford
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- New England Conservatory of Music · Boston
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- Shenandoah University · Winchester
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- Cornell University · Ithaca
- University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- New York University · New York
- University of California-Irvine · Irvine
- James Madison University · Harrisonburg
- Duke University · Durham
- Rice University · Houston
- Cleveland Institute of Music · Cleveland
- Texas Christian University · Fort Worth
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- World Mission University · Los Angeles
- University of California-Davis · Davis
- University of Mobile · Mobile
- North Dakota State University · Fargo
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst
- University of Virginia-Main Campus · Charlottesville
- University of Nevada, Reno · Reno
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- Baylor University · Waco
- California Institute of the Arts · Valencia
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- Bowling Green State University · Bowling Green
- Brandeis University · Waltham
- Five Towns College · Dix Hills
- Brown University · Providence
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- Wesleyan University · Middletown
- William Paterson University · Wayne
- Mississippi State University · Starkville
About
The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) is the highest degree awarded in the field of music in the United States, representing the doctoral level of academic achievement. It is designed for musicians who wish to reach the pinnacle of their professional and scholarly development, typically in areas such as performance, composition, or conducting. This degree is offered by accredited four-year institutions and conservatories with strong music programs. The DMA combines advanced artistic practice with scholarly research, allowing students to deepen their expertise and contribute original work to their field. It is especially suited for those aiming to pursue careers as professional performers, composers, conductors, or university-level educators. The degree holds significant prestige and is recognized within the US educational system as a terminal degree in music. Admission often requires a master’s degree in music or equivalent experience, reflecting the advanced nature of the program.
- Doctoral level degree, highest in music
- Offered by four-year institutions and conservatories
- Combines performance and research in music
- Prepares for professional and academic careers
- Requires prior master’s degree or equivalent
- Recognized terminal degree in US music education
How to get in
Admission to a DMA program is competitive and typically requires applicants to hold a master’s degree in music or a closely related field. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional skill in their area of specialization, whether it be performance, composition, or conducting. The application process usually involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a portfolio or audition showcasing their musical abilities. Some programs may require standardized test scores such as the GRE, but this varies by institution. Selection committees look for candidates with strong academic records, professional experience, and clear artistic goals. Due to the advanced nature of the DMA, the program attracts highly motivated individuals committed to achieving excellence in their musical careers.
- Master’s degree required or equivalent experience
- Competitive selection process with auditions or portfolios
- Strong academic and artistic background essential
- Letters of recommendation and statement of purpose
- Standardized tests optional depending on institution
- Focused on advanced musicians with clear goals
Format and schedule
The DMA program typically spans three to five years beyond the master’s degree, depending on the institution and the student’s pace. It involves a combination of advanced coursework, individual instruction, and significant time dedicated to practice, composition, or conducting. Students often engage in recitals, research projects, and a dissertation or final project demonstrating original contribution to their field. Evaluation is based on performance assessments, written work, and comprehensive exams. Some programs may include teaching responsibilities or internships to prepare students for academic careers. The structure is flexible to accommodate the intensive nature of artistic practice and scholarly research, with a focus on developing both technical mastery and intellectual depth.
- Three to five years beyond master’s degree
- Advanced coursework and individual instruction
- Recitals and dissertation or final project required
- Performance and written evaluations
- Possible teaching or internships included
- Flexible structure for artistic and scholarly work
What next?
Graduates with a DMA degree often pursue careers as professional performers, composers, or conductors at a high level, as well as faculty positions in universities, conservatories, and colleges. The degree opens doors to leadership roles in music education and advanced research opportunities. Some may continue to postdoctoral research or specialized artist residencies, but the DMA is generally considered a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest academic qualification in music. The degree also prepares graduates for licensure or certification where relevant, though this depends on the specific music profession. Transfer or articulation agreements are less common at this level, but the DMA is widely recognized across accredited institutions in the US.
- Professional music careers in performance and composition
- Academic faculty positions in higher education
- Leadership roles in music education
- Terminal degree in music
- Possible postdoctoral or residencies
- Widely recognized by US institutions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a DMA and a PhD in music?
The DMA focuses more on advanced performance, composition, or conducting combined with research, while a PhD emphasizes scholarly research and musicology. Both are doctoral level degrees but serve different career goals.
Can I enter a DMA program without a master’s degree?
Most DMA programs require a master’s degree or equivalent professional experience. Some institutions may consider exceptional candidates without a master’s, but this is rare.
Are auditions required for DMA admission?
Yes, auditions or submission of a performance portfolio are typically required to demonstrate your musical skills and suitability for the program.
How long does it take to complete a DMA?
Completion usually takes three to five years beyond the master’s degree, depending on the program and the student’s progress.
Is the DMA recognized outside the US?
The DMA is primarily recognized within the US educational system. Its international recognition varies and depends on local institutions and professional fields.
What careers can I pursue with a DMA?
Graduates often become professional performers, composers, conductors, or university faculty. The degree supports leadership roles in music education and advanced artistic careers.
Are there financial aid options for DMA students?
Students may apply for federal aid through FAFSA and may receive scholarships or assistantships from their institutions, but funding varies widely.
Does the DMA lead to any professional licensure?
The DMA itself does not lead to licensure, but it can prepare students for certifications or credentials relevant to their musical careers.