What it is
The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) is a terminal doctorate in music for performers, composers, and conductors — combining the highest level of musicianship with scholarship, and qualifying graduates for university music faculty.
The degrees & designations
How long it takes
Typically 4–7+ years (applied doctorates like the EdD/DBA can be ~3–4, often part-time): coursework, comprehensive exams, and an original dissertation.
What you study
Advanced performance/composition, recitals, and scholarly research/document, building on a master's (MM); admission usually by audition.
Getting in
Requires a bachelor's or master's, a strong record, research/goal fit, letters, and a statement; admission is competitive.
Cost & funding
Traditional research doctorates are often funded (assistantship + tuition waiver); applied doctorates are more often self-funded and part-time.
Where it leads
Leads to professional performance/composition careers and university music teaching.
How it compares
The music equivalent of a research doctorate for practice; the academic counterpart is a PhD in Musicology/Theory.
Is it right for you?
Fits musicians seeking the terminal degree and university teaching.
Explore further
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Key facts
- WhatThe terminal music doctorate
- FocusPerformance/composition + scholarship
- EntryMaster of Music (MM) + audition
- FieldMusic
- Leads toPerformance careers & university faculty
Where to learn more
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