University General Course Catalog 2022-2023 
    
    Apr 25, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2022-2023 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Music, D.M.A.


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The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) offers music performers and conductors an advanced degree plan of 60 units beyond the master of music degree. The program and courses meet National Association of Music standards and include shared core courses in musicology, theory and literature. We offer 3 tracks of study in both performance and conducting.

  • Performance (Strings, Voice, Instrumental),
  • Conducting (Wind, Orchestral, Choral).

The D.M.A. degree is the terminal degree for performers and conductors. Students who complete this program of study are qualified to seek jobs in colleges and universities. 

Contact Information


Louis Neibur, Associate Professor
lniebur@unr.edu
(775)784-4061

Paul Torkelson, Associate Professor
ptorkelson@unr.edu
(775)784-6145

Department of Music
Church Fine Arts, Mail Stop 0226
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557-0049

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes


Graduates of the Doctor of Musical Arts program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to perform and/or conduct at a professional level, supported by a breadth of pedagogy, teaching strategies and an in-depth knowledge of the literature.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of musical literature and a breadth of pedagogical tools including teaching strategies.
  • Devise an appropriate and focused method of instruction for each level of applied study at the collegiate level.
  • Understand the rigors of the tenure system and the concept of committee work at the collegiate level in order to function successfully within the university workplace.
  • Demonstrate the ability to research and write in a scholarly manner in their area of expertise.
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand and synthesize historical and stylistic analysis and performance practice through oral and written presentations pertaining to their individual areas of specialization. Such work will contribute to the body of scholarly knowledge, inform their own teaching practices, and provide a pathway of satisfactory progress towards tenure in the areas of scholarly and creative activity.
  • Demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge of advanced courses in music theory, history and literature. Such study provides a foundation of understanding for the entire music discipline, and is an expectation of a collegiate music professor regardless of specialization.

Admission Requirements


In addition to the general admission requirements of the Graduate School , applicants to the D.M.A. program must meet the following criteria:

  • Successfully complete a performance/conducting audition. 
  • Pass the music theory and musicology entrance exams.
  • Have completed a Master of Music (M.M.), Master of Arts (M.A.), or Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree.

I. Program Requirements (60 units)


I. Shared Studies Coursework (15 units)


A. Required Course (3 units)


II. Recital (12 units)


A. Instrumental/String (12 units)


B. Vocal (12 units)


  • (3 units) (9 units required)**
  • Recording project equivalent to a full-length CD (with possible video component) (3 units)
  • ** one of which must be a lecture recital; students may substitute a leading opera role for one the recitals.

C. Conducting (12 units)


  • (3 units) (12 units required)***
  • *** at least one full recital and one lecture recital; the other 6 units can consist of various guest conducting appearances.
    All recitals/guest conducting appearances must be approved by the student’s D.M.A. committee.

III. Completion Requirement (5 units)


IV. Area Specific Requirements (28 units)


One year of foreign language taken at the collegiate level or evidence of competency in a secondary language to be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies in Music is required for all tracks. Evidence of proficiency in the approved secondary language will be demonstrated through translation of a written text determined by the Graduate Director.

A. Strings (28 units)


B. Instrumental (28 units)


C. Voice (28 units)


  • Applied Lessons (12 units) (4 semesters of 3-unit lessons)
  • (1 unit)
  • (1 unit)
  • Interdisciplinary Cognate/vocal literature/vocal pedagogy/vocal science) (11 units) 
  • * Interdisciplinary Cognate courses include MUS 617 , MUS 626  and MUS XXX and may also be selected from Business Administration, Communication Studies, Counseling and Educational Psychology, Curriculum Teaching and Learning, Educational Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Gender, Race, and Identity, Management, and Psychology.

D. Orchestral Conducting (28 units)


  • MUS XXX - Advanced Conducting (12 units)* (3 units each for 4 semesters)
  • (1 to 4 units) (30 minute lessons for 2 semesters) 
  • (1 to 4 units)
  • Applied Percussion (2 units) (30 minute lessons for 2 semesters)
  • Conducting Seminars (3 units) (1 unit per semester for 3 semesters)
  • Independent Study (1 unit)
  • Interdisciplinary Cognate (6 units) **
  • * covering at least two different areas.

    ** Interdisciplinary cognate courses may be selected from Business Administration, Communication Studies, Counseling and Educational Psychology, Curriculum Teaching and Learning, Educational Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Gender, Race, and Identity, Management, and Psychology.

E. Choral Conducting (28 units)


F. Wind Conducting (28 units)


  • (2 to 3 units) (12 units required) (3 units in each of 4 semesters)
  • (1 to 4 units) (2 units required) (30 minute lessons for 2 semesters)
  • MUSA XXX - Applied Instrument (2 units) (30 minute lessons for 2 semesters)
  • Conducting Seminars (3 units) (1 unit per semester for 3 semesters)
  • Interdisciplinary Cognate (9 units) **
  • * covering at least two different areas

    ** Interdisciplinary Cognate courses may be selected from Business Administration, Communication Studies, Counseling and Educational Psychology, Curriculum Teaching and Learning, Educational Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Gender, Race, and Identity, Management, and Psychology.

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