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

·       Writing sample

·       TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable

For more detailed information, please visit our Graduate Admission website.

Curriculum Requirements

Performance Courses
Applied Conducting Lessons12
Ensembles (6 large ensembles)6
Choose 3 credits from the following:3
History and Literature of the Wind Band
Approved Elective
Creative Activities
MIP 830Pre-Candidacy Doctoral Project Preparation1
MIP 831Doctoral Project5
MIP 832Doctoral Recital 16
Allied Music Courses
Musicology Elective3
Performance Seminars (three at 1 credit each)3
MTC 717Analytical Techniques (or Other MTC Course)3
MED 790Teaching Music in College1
Approved Electives5
Cognate/Electives
Select 12 credit hours of Cognate/Electives12
Total Credit Hours60
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

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit 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 Hours10
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 Hours10
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 Hours10
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 Hours10
Year Three
Fall
MIP CD7 Conducting 2
Instrumental Ensemble 1
MIP 831 Doctoral Project 2
MIP 832 Doctoral Recital 2
Cognate/Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
Spring
MIP CD7 Conducting 2
Instrumental Ensemble 1
MIP 831 Doctoral Project 1
Cognate/Elective 6
 Credit Hours10
 Total Credit Hours60

* 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.