Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition and Music Technology in Evanston United States | Northwestern University

The Doctor of Musical Arts program at the Bienen School of Music cultivates both artistic excellence and academic accomplishment. This demanding two-year residency involves continuous study of the student's chosen instrument or composition, along with a challenging curriculum that builds expertise in related scholarly disciplines. To prepare for professional careers, doctoral candidates usually gain teaching experience through organized programs or customized internships. A minimum of 18 academic units must be completed for all degree tracks.

The composition and music technology department stands as one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative, boasting faculty whose works are performed globally by leading orchestras, ensembles, and soloists. With its focus on personal artistic development, the program attracts an exceptionally diverse student population representing varied musical styles, technical approaches, notational systems, performance settings, and listener demographics. Students benefit from the Bienen School's outstanding resources, including distinguished faculty scholars and performers, a music library containing the world's most extensive collection of post-1945 scores, and access to Chicago's vibrant arts scene.