Admissions to the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Performance, Pedagogy and Literature (D.M.A.) for Performers or Conductors
>> Click here to apply ONLY for the M.M. degree
The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree program is the most advanced course of study offered in the School of Music at James Madison University. The program has been designed to make graduates more marketable in higher education by emphasizing pedagogy and literature along with advanced performance or conducting skills. We are seeking candidates who have the potential to pursue the highest level of achievement in conducting/performance and teaching. The degree requires completion of a minimum of ninety (90) credit hours including:
- Twenty four (24) hours of Applied Instruction;
- Twenty two (22) hours of Literature, Analysis, and Topical Seminars;
- Eighteen (18) hours of Recitals, Documents, and Research Methods;
- Six (6) hours of Pedagogy; and
- Twenty (20) hours of area-specific courses.
During the degree program, exceptionally qualified students may earn up to 30 credit hours by examination and/or transfer. After completion of all course work and three recitals, D.M.A. students must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations.
Admissions Requirements for All Applicants:
- The Graduate School Application
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work*
- GRE test scores*
- Written statement of future goals (professional and educational)
- Curriculum vita (C.V.)
- Three current letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and other professionals qualified to judge the applicant's ability to complete doctoral studies
- A live audition (or a high-quality audio/video recording for conditional admission)
Additional Requirements for International Applicants:
- TOEFL of at least 570* (written test)
- A financial statement prior to application*
- Click here for other requirements and information for international students.*
Asterisk (*) denotes materials to be submitted to The Graduate School along with the Graduate School application. All other materials should be submitted to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies. Deadline for all application materials for admissions in the Fall 2010 semester: April 1, 2010. Please note: if you wish to apply for an assistantship, the deadline for full consideration is March 15, 2010.
Assistantships
Financial Aid is administered by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships in Warren Hall. The chief source of aid for graduate study is through assistantships awarded by the school. Teaching assistantships are awarded each year on a competitive basis. In keeping with the pedagogical nature of the D.M.A. degree at James Madison University, all doctoral assistantships will include a variety of supervised teaching experiences; assisting professors in classes and/or being responsible for teaching a class, teaching applied lessons (for performers), and conducting ensembles (for conductors). In addition to a stipend, assistantships include a tuition award. Approximately 7 Doctoral Teaching Assistantships per year will be offered on a competitive basis, currently set at full tuition remission with at $14,500 stipend. For full consideration for an assistantship for the 2010 - 2011 year, all application materials should be submitted by March 15, 2010.
To apply for an assistantship, please submit a letter to Dr. Mary Jean Speare requesting consideration for an assistantship and all application materials listed under 'Admissions Requirements' by March 15, 2010.
Entrance Examinations
Prior to the first week of classes, all applicants must take JMU School of Music diagnostic examinations in music history, written theory and ear training. The results are used for placement and advising. Applicants for assistantships in areas related directly to these examinations may be required to take them before assistantships are granted.
For further information or questions concerning graduate study in music, contact:
Dr. Mary Jean Speare
Coordinator of Graduate Studies
School of Music, MSC 7301
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
E-mail: spearemj@jmu.edu
Phone: 540.568.3687
