Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Conducting—Choral or Orchestral
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting program at Boston University combines rigorous study of choral and orchestral conducting techniques and literature with related work in performance, music theory, and musicology in a vibrant and intimate setting, all within a major research university. DMA candidates will join a diverse community of scholar-performers led by a renowned faculty. In addition, the rich intellectual and artistic environment of Boston provides many further opportunities for amateur and professional collaborations.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students are expected to demonstrate:
- Performance techniques and skills in the area of concentration.
- Broad knowledge of repertory and literature from all periods.
- Acquisition of advanced knowledge and skills in musicianship, music theory and analysis, and music history.
- Superior proficiency in verbal communication of musical ideas and concepts.
- Capability for producing professional-level written documents such as program notes or scholarly essays.
- Capacity for artistic growth and skills for navigating the professional world.
Degree Requirements
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting is granted upon successful completion of a program of study, written and oral qualifying examinations, and terminal projects appropriate to the student’s field of specialization. Students must complete a minimum of 48 semester credits with grades no lower than B– in graduate-level coursework. All degree requirements must be completed within seven years of the date of matriculation.
Proficiency Examinations
All entering Doctor of Musical Arts students are required to take a proficiency examination in the area of music theory and musicology. These examinations are administered online before the start of classes. Incoming students are notified of the exam dates and contents in advance and are responsible for taking it by the specified deadline. Exam results are used for purposes of advisement and may establish prerequisite or required coursework. Material covered in these examinations is commonly presented in most undergraduate degree programs in music. No retakes of the exam will be permitted.
Students with insufficient background may be required to take review courses as appropriate.
Required Courses
Any deficiencies identified by the proficiency exams must be addressed as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not the student plans to take other courses in these areas. Students may not take advanced graduate courses in a particular area OR graduate until all deficiencies have been addressed. Prerequisite and other required courses may include:
- CFA MH 401 Graduate Music History Review
- CFA MT 401 Graduate Music Theory Review
- CFA MT 601 Analytical Techniques 1
- CFA MT 602 Analytical Techniques 2
Language Requirement
Reading proficiency is required in one language, chosen from German, French, and Italian. Students may demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by passing its corresponding reading course at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences: GRS LG 621, GRS LF 621, or GRS LI 621. Students may also satisfy the requirement by passing a foreign language examination, administered once each semester by the School of Music.
Conducting Program Outlines
DMA Choral Conducting Curriculum
Students must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credits, including:
| CFA MP 700 Choral Conducting Seminar (5 semesters) | 15 cr |
| CFA MP 701 Orchestral Conducting Seminar | 3 cr |
| CFA MP 895 Early Choral Literature: 14th–18th c. | 3 cr |
| CFA MP 896 Choral Literature: Late-Classical to 21st c. | 3 cr |
| CFA MP 897 World Choral Perspectives | 3 cr |
| CFA MT 701 Doctoral Proseminar: Skills | 3 cr |
| CFA MT 702 Doctoral Proseminar: Analysis | 3 cr |
| Courses in Musicology (MH) (must be 600 level or higher) | 6 cr |
| Courses in Music Theory (MT) (must be 600 level or higher) | 3 cr |
| CFA MU 995 Dissertation | 3 cr |
| Graduate Music electives | 3 cr |
| Total | 48 cr |
Orchestral Conducting Program Outline
Students must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credits, including:
Orchestral Conducting Curriculum (Dissertation Track)
| Applied Lessons | 18 cr |
| CFA MT 701 Doctoral Proseminar: Skills | 3 cr |
| CFA MT 702 Doctoral Proseminar: Analysis | 3 cr |
| Courses in Musicology (MH) (must be 600 level or higher) | 6 cr |
| Courses in Music Theory (MT) (must be 600 level or higher) | 3 cr |
| CFA MU 995 Dissertation | 3 cr |
| Graduate Music electives | 12 cr |
| Total | 48 cr |
Orchestral Conducting Curriculum (Recital Track)
| Applied Lessons | 18 cr |
| CFA MT 701 Doctoral Proseminar: Skills | 3 cr |
| CFA MT 702 Doctoral Proseminar: Analysis | 3 cr |
| Courses in Musicology (MH) (must be 600 level or higher) | 6 cr |
| Courses in Music Theory (MT) (must be 600 level or higher) | 3 cr |
| CFA MP 705 Writing for DMA Recital Track | 1 cr |
| Graduate Music electives | 14 cr |
| Total | 48 cr |
Qualifying Examinations
In any semester, after all required courses have been completed and there are no incomplete grades outstanding, students may undertake the doctoral qualifying examinations, written and oral. There are three written examinations: one in the area of music theory (in four parts), one in the area of music history, and one in the major field. Either or all of these examinations may be taken in a given semester.
Once a student has passed an individual area exam, they need not repeat it even if required to retake another area exam. The student proceeds to the oral examination only after passing all written examinations. Requirements vary by concentration.
Terminal Project: Independent Research/Dissertation and Lecture-Recital (Choral Conducting)
The student must write a substantial document demonstrating the ability to conduct independent research. This document should stress source materials, comparative editions, score analysis, and performance practice. The student must give a lecture-recital based on this document and use the medium of performance to illustrate it. The lecture-recital must be supervised and approved by assigned faculty readers. A copy of the lecture must be included as an appendix in the final copies of the document. Conducting students are not required to give a lecture-recital.
Terminal Project (Orchestral Conducting)
The orchestral conducting student, in consultation with the conducting faculty, may elect to combine performance and scholarship in a variety of ways. Students will consult with their advisor to develop the terminal project.
