Musical Arts, DMA

Students accepted into the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program are expected to attend the program’s concerts and lecture-recitals. In addition, students are encouraged to take part in the performance groups of The Claremont Colleges.

Degree Requirements

Coursework. A minimum of 72 units are required. In addition to core courses, additional coursework and other requirements apply according to the student’s area of specialization.

Language Requirement. Depending upon the program of study and research interest, reading proficiency in two languages is required. Languages may include French, German, Italian, or Latin. Successful completion of the language requirement is required prior to the scheduling of written and oral qualifying examinations.

Qualifying Examinations. Exams are administered once every semester. All students are required to pass written and oral qualifying examinations. In the event of initial failure, students have a second opportunity to take the exams during the next semester in which they are enrolled. For additional information, see the Doctoral Degree Regulations section of the Bulletin.

Advancement to Candidacy. After having passed the qualifying exams, the student presents a copy of the proposal for the project paper or recording to each member of the committee for approval. For additional information, see the Doctoral Degree Regulations section of the Bulletin.

Project Paper/Recording. A project paper or recording is required. Policies and guidelines are provided in the Music Student Handbook.

Transfer Credit. The University’s policy on transfer credit applies. A maximum of 24 units may be transferred.

University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

Core Courses

SPECIALIZATIONS

Performance or Composition

8 units from MUS 401-406
Major area of concentration–performance or composition (16 units)
Music electives
Interdisciplinary courses (8 units)
Four recitals (may include one lecture-recital if approved by studio instructor)

Historical Performance Practices

8 units from MUS 401-406
MUS 230-293 Individual Lessons (16 units minimum; see below)
MUS 304 - History of Performance Practices (4 units)
Music electives
Interdisciplinary course (4 units)
Three recitals
One lecture-recital
Keyboard students in the HPP program may concentrate on up to three keyboard instruments (selected from among Piano, Fortepiano, Harpsichord, and Organ). Students concentrating on two keyboard instruments must complete at least 8 units of studio instruction on each instrument and give two recitals on each (one of these four recitals must be a lecture-recital). Students concentrating on three keyboard instruments must complete at least 8 units of studio instruction on two instruments and 6 units on the third, and give a total of four recitals (no more than two on any instrument) plus one lecture-recital.

School of Arts and Humanities Practical Experience Milestone

Students in all departments of the School of Arts and Humanities must meet the Practical Experience Milestone through one of the following:

A Teaching Assistantship
A Research Assistantship
An external teaching opportunity, in one or more semesters student is enrolled
A research project with CGU or Consortium Faculty (5C’s, KGI)
One or more articles prepared or prepared and submitted for publication, single or co authored
One or more academic book reviews prepared or prepared and submitted for publication
One or more exhibition proposals, prepared or prepared and implemented
A music recital
Completion of one or more semesters in Doctoral Studies that includes relevant work experience and/or progress on the doctoral dissertation
Preparing and submitting the MA thesis
Attending an Academic Conference (either to give a paper or as an attendee)
Doing an Internship (paid or unpaid, for credit or not for credit)
Additional employment or project that the department considers as providing appropriate professional training, particularly for students not considering the academic teaching track

Students must have their milestone approved by the department prior to the submission of their completed Final Approval Form. This milestone is to be completed during the time to degree at CGU (7 years for doctoral students, 5 years for masters students). Extensions of Time to Degree citing the milestone will not be approved. Students may have a maximum of 4 years of experience for the Practical Experience Milestone.