Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media in Rochester United States | University of Rochester

The DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degree recognizes exceptional achievement in musical performance and pedagogy. To qualify, applicants must exhibit outstanding artistic ability coupled with superior intellectual capacity.
Students may pursue composition and music education studies either through the graduate professional studies division (DMA track) or the graduate research studies division. These programs differ in focus and curriculum. Notably, DMA applicants must complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice, while PhD candidates are exempt from this requirement. The DMA program uniquely emphasizes practical music application across all specializations. Both composition and music education concentrations incorporate significant performance elements in the DMA curriculum, contrasting with the PhD program's academic orientation.
Each DMA candidate must fulfill a structured course of study, typically involving a minimum of 60 post-master's credits approved by the Graduate Professional Committee (GPC). Students collaborate with their advisors to design individualized programs, which should receive GPC approval by the third semester (or after completing 20 credits). Program variations account for each student's diagnostic test results in music theory and history, educational background, and professional aspirations. Final GPC approval must occur at least four months before the doctoral qualifying examination. Full-time students generally complete the DMA program in approximately 3.5 years.