Master of Musical Arts

The Master of Musical Arts degree is awarded to candidates who successfully complete the three-year program (normally 18 hours per term) of predoctoral studies required for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree. The program provides intensive training in the student’s major field, either performance or composition, supported by studies in theoretical and historical subjects.

Degree requirements include public presentation of recitals and/or compositions during each year of the student’s residence. An MMA thesis, as well as a public lecture based on the thesis, is required of all candidates. A thesis prospectus must be submitted to the MMA committee for approval at the end of the candidate’s first term in the MMA Seminar. Candidates are required to pass comprehensive written and oral examinations during their last term in residence.

Admission to the MMA is not automatic for students enrolled in the Master of Music degree program. Candidates for a Yale MM apply for the MMA during their third term and are examined and auditioned in the fall term for admission to the MMA Seminar in the subsequent spring. An important component of the application process is the submission of a term paper or other sample of scholarly writing. This paper may be completed within the student’s first year at Yale or may, by permission of the director of the MMA program, consist of work done prior to admission to Yale. Applicants for the MMA program must have completed all MMA proficiencies in order to be considered.

Upon arrival at Yale, students interested in applying to the MMA program should consult with the MMA director. Students who already hold a master’s degree in music from another institution may apply directly to the MMA program. Applicants are required to perform before a faculty committee and to demonstrate proficiency in a second language. Keyboard and musicianship skills are also assessed, and an individual interview with members of the faculty culminates the process. GRE General Test scores are required of these applicants. A two-year residency at Yale (normally 72 credit hours) is required for these applicants to complete the MMA degree program.

Yale MM students or graduates who are not admitted to the MMA program during the fall of their third M.M. term may apply for a two-year MMA residency only. They then take the examinations and auditions with outside candidates in the spring.