Program Overview
The DMA degree at the University of Kansas offers an advanced, practice-focused doctoral experience for musicians seeking the highest level of professional preparation in performance, conducting, composition, pedagogy, and scholarship. Unlike a Ph.D. in music, which emphasizes research-driven academic study, the DMA degree is a terminal professional doctorate designed for artist-scholars whose careers center on performance, teaching, and creative leadership.
Through intensive applied study, advanced coursework, and sustained artistic practice, students in the Doctor of Musical Arts refine their technical mastery while developing the intellectual depth required to contribute meaningfully to the musical profession. The program integrates performance, scholarship, and pedagogy, preparing graduates to excel in higher education, professional performance organizations, and leadership roles across the music industry.
Students in the DMA program work closely with distinguished faculty mentors while engaging in a vibrant artistic community supported by world-class facilities and performance venues. The curriculum emphasizes individualized study, allowing students to pursue advanced artistic goals while developing a sophisticated understanding of historical, theoretical, and pedagogical contexts relevant to their discipline.
Concentrations
The DMA degree at KU offers multiple concentrations that allow students to tailor their doctoral studies to their professional interests:
- Brass Performance - Emphasizes high-level performance preparation, pedagogy, and professional musicianship for brass specialists. This area includes:
- Euphonium Performance
- French Horn Performance
- Trombone Performance
- Trumpet Performance
- Tuba Performance
- Church Music - Focuses on development of rehearsal techniques, liturgical music knowledge, and a merger of management and performance skills.
- Composition - Develops original creative work supported by advanced study in compositional techniques and aesthetics.
- Conducting - Focuses on wind, orchestral, or choral conducting through advanced conducting technique, score study, and ensemble direction. This area includes:
- Choral Conducting
- Orchestral Conducting
- Wind Conducting
- Organ Performance - Focuses on advanced solo performance, chamber music, and professional repertoire.
- Percussion Performance – Develops mastery across solo, ensemble, and pedagogical percussion traditions.
- Piano Performance – Focuses on advanced solo performance, chamber music, and professional repertoire.
- Piano & Pedagogy - Focuses on both advanced solo performance and the art of studio teaching.
- String Performance – Emphasizes advanced solo and ensemble performance for orchestral and chamber musicians. This area includes:
- Cello (Violincello) Performance
- Double Bass Performance
- Harp Performance
- Viola Performance
- Violin Performance
- Voice Performance – Develops professional vocal technique, repertoire, and performance artistry.
- Woodwind Performance – Provides comprehensive preparation in performance, pedagogy, and professional practice. This area includes:
- Bassoon Performance
- Clarinet Performance
- Flute Performance
- Oboe Performance
- Saxophone Performance
Learn more about KU
Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Musical Arts, DMAKU School of Music
The Doctorate in Musical Arts is part of the School of Music, where award-winning students and faculty perform on national and international stages.Doctorate in Musical Arts Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Musical Arts program demonstrate advanced professional competencies aligned with their area of concentration. Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced artistic proficiency through performance, conducting, composition, or pedagogical practice at the professional level.
- Integrate scholarly research with artistic practice to inform interpretation, teaching, and creative work.
- Apply critical analysis and reflective thinking to artistic, pedagogical, and professional challenges in music.
- Exhibit leadership and collaboration skills within ensembles, academic settings, and professional organizations.
- Communicate artistic and scholarly ideas effectively through performances, written work, and oral presentation.
What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in Musical Arts?
Graduates of KU’s DMA degree pursue diverse professional pathways, including:
- Performers: Soloists, ensemble musicians, and orchestra members in professional settings.
- Music Educators: Teachers at K-12 schools, universities, and private music studios.
- Conductors: Leading orchestras, choirs, wind ensembles, or other music organizations.
- Composers: Writing original music for orchestras, chamber ensembles, film, and more.
- Music Researchers: Engaging in musicological or practice-based research in academic or professional settingsaw.
According to Lightcast, employment in music-related professions is expected to remain stable nationally, with median annual earnings of approximately $64,000.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The Doctorate in Music programs at KU offer competitive tuition rates and numerous financial aid options. Students are encouraged to explore scholarships, fellowships, and assistantship opportunities, which provide valuable professional experience in addition to financial support.
For information on tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for financial assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Doctorate in Musical Arts includes these minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts
- Resume or CV (please include repertoire list if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose
- A Scholarly Writing Sample
- Three Letters of Recommendation (provide professional email addresses within application system)
- Audition and/or Pre-Screening video(s)
- Interview or Introduction video(s)
For more information about the application process, visit KU Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students in the DMA degree at the University of Kansas are immersed in a dynamic artistic and academic environment that supports professional growth and creative exploration. Doctoral students participate in a wide range of performance opportunities, including solo recitals, chamber music, large ensembles, and conducting experiences, depending on their area of concentration. Regular guest artist residencies, masterclasses, and workshops provide additional exposure to nationally and internationally recognized performers and scholars.
Beyond performance, students in the Doctor of Musical Arts program engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarly inquiry, and pedagogical development. Many students gain valuable teaching experience through assistantships, ensemble leadership, and instructional roles within the School of Music. These experiences prepare graduates for careers in higher education while strengthening communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.
KU’s supportive academic community encourages collaboration among performers, composers, conductors, and educators. Students benefit from access to extensive music libraries, rehearsal spaces, recording facilities, and performance venues, all of which contribute to a comprehensive doctoral experience. Through these learning opportunities, students in the Doctor of Musical Arts program develop lasting professional relationships and a strong artistic identity.
Doctorate in Musical Arts Sample Courses
Coursework in the DMA degree is designed to support advanced artistic development while strengthening scholarly and professional competencies. Courses vary by concentration but typically include advanced applied study, research methods, and doctoral-level seminars. Sample courses may include:
- Directed Performance
- Music Bibliography and Research
- Seminar in Performance
- Special Studies in Woodwind Instrument Pedagogy
- Doctoral Recitals
- D.M.A. Lecture-Recital
For more detailed information on courses, visit the KU Catalog.
Doctorate in Musical Arts Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.
What can you do with a Doctorate in Musical Arts?
A Doctorate in Music degree provides students with the skills to excel in a wide range of careers, from performance and education to conducting, composition, and music administration. Graduates are also well-prepared for doctoral study if they wish to pursue further education in music.
Why pursue a DMA degree at KU?
Pursuing a DMA degree at the University of Kansas allows students to develop both artistic excellence and professional versatility. The program combines advanced applied instruction, academic coursework, and culminating doctoral projects such as recitals, lecture-recitals, or equivalent scholarly performances. This structure distinguishes the DMA from a doctorate in music focused primarily on research, offering an applied pathway for musicians whose careers depend on artistic practice.
Graduates of the Doctor of Musical Arts program are prepared for careers as university faculty, professional performers, conductors, composers, and arts leaders. The program’s emphasis on performance-based scholarship ensures that students graduate with both artistic credibility and academic rigor.