The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Music Performance is the preferred terminal degree for those who are dedicated to a lifelong career in music. Our doctoral students will prepare to set new standards for excellence in performance. The DMA is designed for individuals who have completed a master’s degree in music performance.
Request InfoDegree Details
Official Degree Title
Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Performance
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Credits
36 - 45
Start Date
Fall
Application Deadline
NYU Steinhardt’s DMA prepares musicians to pursue careers in performance, scholarship, and teaching. Graduates of the doctoral program will refine their knowledge of:
- Music Literature and History
- Music Theory
- Pedagogy
- Performance Practice
- Repertoire
Graduates will be expected to display measurable and substantial growth in their applied area through rich experience in their applied area of study, culminating in a capstone project demonstrating expertise and exemplary research related to their field.
Unique to NYU Steinhardt's DMA, students also design a sub-specialization, working with their advisors and mentors in the following areas:
- Music Business
- Music Composition
- Music Education
- Music Technology
- Music Theory
- Performing Arts Administration
The sub-specialization expands students’ knowledge base, enhances their leadership skills, and further prepares them to work and thrive in the music industry.
The program is designed to take three years (full-time enrollment) or five years (part-time enrollment).
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive and embodied knowledge of music literature and history, music theory, pedagogy, performance practice, and repertoire.
- Develop individualized interpretations of repertoire based upon their ability to synthesize their scholarship and knowledge of performance practice.
- Design, conduct, and communicate – in written and oral formats – scholarship related to their primary field of music performance.
- Effectively teach their instrument and courses that fall within the scope of music performance at the collegiate level to musicians from a variety of backgrounds and musical experiences.
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of a secondary field of study related to the music industry.
Accepting its first cohort in Fall 2024, the Doctor of Musical Arts in Musical Performance is a practice-based degree for those who intend to pursue faculty positions at the collegiate level or leadership positions in the music industry.
“One of the biggest differences between the DMA and the PhD is that DMA candidates are required to pursue a sub-specialization related to music performance, such as music technology, performing arts administration, or music business,” says Beroukhim. “They can also choose to take a blend of courses from many areas.”
This multi-faceted approach gives DMA graduates holistic preparation for today's careers in the arts, in which performers take leadership roles at presenting organizations and performance venues, design cultural policies and curatorial strategies for arts organizations, and serve valuable roles, nationally and internationally, as educators, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors.
In addition to sub-specialization courses, students will complete a final capstone project in lieu of a written dissertation, bringing together theory and practice and underscored by vibrant research.
DMA students are dedicated to refining their craft, taking two full years of private lessons and presenting three public, adjudicated recitals to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and virtuosity they have developed, as well as to showcase varied repertoire.
Students can choose to pursue the DMA full time or part time – an ideal option for those who will pursue professional careers and performance opportunities while completing their studies. The following focus areas are available:
- Brass Studies
- Jazz Studies
- Percussion Studies
- Piano Studies
- Strings Studies
- Vocal Performance
- Woodwind Studies
