Overview
If you are an accomplished pianist with curiosity and open mind to delve into the study of piano pedagogy to further performance and teaching aspirations, then this is the place for you. In addition to majoring in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy at the DMA level, there is an option for DMA non-pedagogy students to choose a 12-credit Cognate in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy.
DMA in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy consists of 60 credit hours of graduate study beyond the Master of Music in piano-related degrees such as solo performance, pedagogy, or collaborative piano. It is designed to prepare students for varied professional settings such as performance, research, or college teaching.
Consistent with our school-wide belief in the value of “experiential” learning, our graduate curriculum in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy (KPED) is uniquely designed to integrate theoretical studies with performance to the maximum extent possible. All KPED students will have the opportunity to request for performance study with any one of our piano faculty members, and our flexible curriculum affords customized program of pedagogical study based on background and interest of each student. Students are strongly encouraged to select a 12-credit Cognate area of study (such as Music Theory, Musicology, or Music Education), which would further enhance credentials for the current competitive job market.
In addition to traditional pedagogy offerings—covering topics such as historical and modern private teaching methodologies, didactic repertoire and sequencing, diagnostics, group piano teaching, injury prevention, and peak performance strategies—our curriculum strives to reflect the most current needs as well as resources gleaned from the job market and related disciplines. For example: students may learn about pianist-specific professional preparations including effective use of technology and higher-education teaching, or learn from the rapidly growing field of cognitive neuroscience as it relates to practicing, performing, and teaching.
A wide variety of options exist for hands-on teaching and learning, and our Preparatory Division provides the platform for those interested in a teaching internship for young students. Research ability is deemed an essential skill for graduate-level study. Students have the opportunity to hone their skills in critical thinking and independent research both through various courses in addition to the culminating DMA project.
The competitive reality of the market for performers and teachers has never been more demanding. We are proud that many of piano students (both KPED and MKP) have gone on to win awards at piano competitions, have been invited to publish in recognized periodicals or present at conferences, and are currently in teaching positions both in the U.S. and abroad.
For more information, please contact:
Naoko Takao, DMA
Program Director, Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy
n.takao@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:
· Teaching sample
· Prescreen/performance
· Live audition (preferred)
· TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable
For more detailed information, please visit our Graduate Admission website.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Pedagogy and Performance | ||
| Select 24 credit hours of Keyboard Pedagogy and Performance courses 1 | 24 | |
| Creative Activities, chosen in consultation with advisor | 12 | |
| Doctoral Recital ** | ||
| Doctoral Project * | ||
| Other Studies in Music | ||
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Keyboard Literature II | ||
| Music Bibliography | ||
| Psychology of Music | ||
| Music Learning and Curriculum | ||
| Music Research Methods | ||
| Music Assessment | ||
| Analytical Techniques | ||
| Cognate/Electives | ||
| Select 12 credit hours of Cognate/Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
Graduate Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy courses chosen in consultation with the Doctoral Advisor and approval of the student’s committee during the first semester of course work.
*Doctoral Project options include the Doctoral Essay or the Lecture Recital with Research Paper
**Minimum 1 performance recital must be completed
***Doctoral Qualifying Exams must be complete prior to the defense of the Doctoral Project proposal.
KPED Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MKP PI7 | Piano | 2 |
| MTC 717 | Analytical Techniques * | 3 |
| Approved KPED Course | 3 | |
| Choose 1 credit from the following: | 1 | |
| Seminar in Baroque Performance | ||
| Seminar in Classical Performance | ||
| Seminar in Romantic Performance | ||
| Seminar in Contemporary Music | ||
| Keyboard Pedagogy Research Seminar | ||
| Keyboard Pedagogy Internship | ||
| Accompanying, Level III | ||
| MKP 831 | Doctoral Project | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MKP PI7 | Piano | 2 |
| MCY 627 | Keyboard Literature II | 3 |
| Approved MED or MTY Course from Other Studies in Music | 3 | |
| MKP 832 | Doctoral Recital | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MKP PI7 | Piano | 2 |
| Approved KPED Course | 3 | |
| MCY 728 | Music Bibliography | 3 |
| Choose one: *** | 1 | |
| Keyboard Pedagogy Research Seminar | ||
| Keyboard Pedagogy Internship (or Approved MKP Course) | ||
| MED 702 DMA Essay Proposal | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MKP PI7 | Piano | 2 |
| Approved KPED Course | 3 | |
| Cognate/Electives | 3 | |
| MKP 832 | Doctoral Recital | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| MKP PI7 | Piano | 2 |
| Cognate/Electives | 6 | |
| MKP 831 | Doctoral Project | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MKP PI7 | Piano | 2 |
| Cognate/Electives | 3 | |
| Choose one: | 1 | |
| Seminar in Baroque Performance | ||
| Seminar in Classical Performance | ||
| Seminar in Romantic Performance | ||
| Seminar in Contemporary Music | ||
| Keyboard Pedagogy Research Seminar | ||
| Keyboard Pedagogy Internship | ||
| Accompanying, Level III | ||
| MKP 831 | Doctoral Project | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
* One MTC course at the 700 level should be taken during the first year of study to satisfy the MTC portion of the Qualifying Process for MKP DMA students.
** If choosing to play a third recital, replace the last 2 items with 2 credits of MKP 832 Recital, and adjust the third year spring courses accordingly.
*** 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 Essay/Dissertation proposal.
Mission
The mission of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy is to educate students in:
- Teaching strategies for all levels of piano students
- Knowledge of methods, materials, and standard teaching repertoire for all levels of piano students
- Career preparations for college-level teaching as a pianist including professional development and use of technology
- The performance of piano, building musicianship and technical ability to an advanced level
- Research skills on original topics in the field of keyboard pedagogy
Goals
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as college or university faculty, performers, and teachers/proprietors of private and group teaching studios.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will synthesize musicianship and technical ability to an advanced level of piano performance.
- Students demonstrate effective research skills in the field of keyboard pedagogy and improve writing skills to prepare for the final project, and eventually, professional presentations beyond the program of study.
- Students will demonstrate the practical career-related knowledge requisite for college-level teaching as a pianist. The topics include professional development, classroom teaching preparation, and use of technology.
