Doctor of Musical Arts

Yale University awards the Doctor of Musical Arts degree to those who have earned the Master of Musical Arts degree at Yale with a major in either performance or composition, and who have subsequently demonstrated their qualifications for the doctorate through distinguished achievement in the profession. “Distinguished achievement’’ will be determined not only on the basis of how ably the candidates fulfill the obligations of whatever position they may hold but also, and most importantly, on the extent and quality of additional professional accomplishments that are carried out on their own initiative. Thus, the level of achievement should be remarkably higher and more wide-ranging than the already high standard of professional activity expected from all holders of the MMA degree who are pursuing musical careers. Innovative and creative contributions to the profession will be considered particularly significant.

The candidate for Yale’s DMA degree should possess and demonstrate among other things:

1. Exceptional competence as a performer or composer.
2. Genuine curiosity about other aspects of music making and real experience in these closely allied fields.
3. Real intellectual curiosity about music and an ability to discuss in depth its history, theory, styles, sources, and its relation to the other arts and to civilization.

Candidates may apply for the doctorate whenever they feel that their achievements subsequent to receiving the MMA degree warrant consideration within the period of time specified below. Application is to be made on a form provided by the School of Music. A faculty committee reviews the application and supporting evidence, and if approved, the candidate must then enroll as a nonresident student at the School of Music. Enrollment is possible only at the beginning of the fall term, and the application must be completed by the preceding January 15. Formal applications are not accepted from candidates prior to January 15 of the second year after they have received the Master of Musical Arts degree. Applications made later than the fifth year are accepted only under exceptional circumstances and with prior permission of the d.m.a. Committee, and only under such circumstances are degrees conferred later than the seventh year.

Final qualification for the DMA degree is determined on the basis of a public performance presented by the candidate at the University during the year of the candidate’s nonresident enrollment. The performance is to be planned as an appropriate demonstration of the candidate’s professional specialty. In addition, all candidates are expected to complete, with distinction, a comprehensive oral examination. A jury consisting of members of the Yale faculty, possibly augmented with professional musicians from outside the University, judges the performance and participates in the oral examination. If approved, the candidate is then recommended for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts. This degree is awarded to the successful candidate at the close of that academic year.