Overview
Candidates for the Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting at the Frost School of Music must possess and demonstrate a gift of musical leadership based upon broad experience with instrumental ensembles and a strong foundation of skills from previous training. Admission requirements include baccalaureate and masters degrees in music and practical experience in conducting a variety of ensembles. Enrollment is only by special permission after completion of the application and audition process.
Candidates may pursue the DMA in Wind Conducting, or Orchestral Conducting, both of which entail careful mentoring from faculty who have distinguished themselves as exceptional ensemble directors. The curriculum emphasizes development of conducting techniques and score study, as well as music theory, music history and literature, teaching methods, and scholarship. For more information, please visit the website for the Department of Instrumental Performance (https://instrumental.frost.miami.edu/).
Admission Requirements
All applicants to the Frost School must submit the following items:
· An online application
· Application fee
· Resume
· Three letters of recommendation
· Official transcripts from every post-secondary school attended
This graduate degree program also requires submission of certain supplemental materials, including:
· Prescreen/performance
· Live audition (preferred)
· Conducting sample
· TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable
For more detailed information, please visit our Graduate Admission website.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Courses | ||
| Applied Conducting Lessons | 12 | |
| Ensembles (6 large ensembles) | 6 | |
| Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| History and Literature of the Wind Band | ||
Approved Elective | ||
| Creative Activities | ||
| MIP 830 | Pre-Candidacy Doctoral Project Preparation | 1 |
| MIP 831 | Doctoral Project | 5 |
| MIP 832 | Doctoral Recital 1 | 6 |
| Allied Music Courses | ||
| Musicology Elective | 3 | |
| Performance Seminars (three at 1 credit each) | 3 | |
| MTC 717 | Analytical Techniques (or Other MTC Course) | 3 |
| MED 790 | Teaching Music in College | 1 |
| Approved Electives | 5 | |
| Cognate/Electives | ||
| Select 12 credit hours of Cognate/Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
Students in this degree program take MIP 832 three times, at 2 credits each for a total of 6 credits.
Doctoral Qualifying Exams must be complete prior to the defense of the Doctoral Project proposal.
MCDI Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MIP CD7 | Conducting | 2 |
| Instrumental Ensemble | 1 | |
| MCY 620 | History and Literature of the Wind Band (or Approved Conducting Elective) | 3 |
| Cognate/Elective | 3 | |
| MED 790 | Teaching Music in College | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MIP CD7 | Conducting | 2 |
| Instrumental Ensemble | 1 | |
| MTC 717 | Analytical Techniques (or Approved MTC Elective) | 3 |
| Performance Seminar | 1 | |
| Performance Seminar | 1 | |
| MIP 832 | Doctoral Recital | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MIP CD7 | Conducting | 2 |
| Instrumental Ensemble | 1 | |
| MIP 830 - Pre-Candidacy DMA Project Preparation | 1 | |
| MIP 831 | Doctoral Project | 1 |
| MCY Elective | 3 | |
| Cognate/Elective | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MIP CD7 | Conducting | 2 |
| Instrumental Ensemble | 1 | |
| Performance Seminar | 1 | |
| MIP 831 | Doctoral Project | 1 |
| Cognate/Elective | 3 | |
| MIP 832 | Doctoral Recital | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| MIP CD7 | Conducting | 2 |
| Instrumental Ensemble | 1 | |
| MIP 831 | Doctoral Project | 2 |
| MIP 832 | Doctoral Recital | 2 |
| Cognate/Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MIP CD7 | Conducting | 2 |
| Instrumental Ensemble | 1 | |
| MIP 831 | Doctoral Project | 1 |
| Cognate/Elective | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
* This is a suggested Plan of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.
*Doctoral Qualifying Exams must be complete prior to the defense of the Doctoral Project proposal.
Mission
The mission of the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Instrumental Conducting is:
- To provide students with the highest quality training possible to bridge academic training into entry-level careers as professional artists;
- To provide students with performance opportunities that develop and demonstrate the integration of musicianship and performance practice;
- To assist students with identifying opportunities and preparation for competitions, internships, apprenticeships and other professional venues for the classical artist;
- To ensure that students have acquired the type of writing and research abilities required of a terminal degree from a leading research university, enabling them to pursue successful careers as teachers, performers, and researchers at the university level.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate advanced rehearsal techniques and post-rehearsal assessment and reflection as adequate for beginning a career as a professional musician.
- Students will demonstrate advanced technical and musicianship skills as well as the selection of appropriate repertoire adequate for beginning a career as a professional musician with a Chamber Orchestra or Wind Ensemble.
- Students will demonstrate advanced technical and musicianship skills as well as the selection of appropriate repertoire adequate for beginning a career as a professional musician with a Full Symphony Orchestra or Band.
