This text is exerpted from the CUA Announcements. Please refer to the Announcements for further information on academic policies and programs.

Doctor of Musical Arts

VOCAL PERFORMANCE

Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements

Acceptance as a graduate student by the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music is required.

The applicant must have extensive performance and teaching experience after receiving a master’s degree from an accredited institution in vocal performance.

The applicant must submit the following to the advisory committee:

1. as stated in the Admission Process section above, four letters of recommendation, including two from professional colleagues, not teachers of the applicant, attesting to the applicant’s past and potential ability as a performer;

2. programs of performances and reviews, if available;

3. complete description of teaching experiences;

4. completed repertoire and professional experience record, obtainable from the School of Music website.

Prerequisites also include the successful completion of language examinations in French, German and Italian, or, with approval of the adviser, two years of undergraduate study of each language with a grade of B or better. Language study must be completed at an accredited college or university.

The applicant must successfully complete the following entrance requirements:

1. a public recital of a program of 60 minutes duration selected by the advisory committee from works on the applicant’s repertoire and professional experience record, to include works of contrasting styles and demonstrating proficiency in at least two languages in addition to English;

2. written examinations (two hours each):

a. music history placement examination;

b. music theory placement examination;

c. entrance examination in vocal literature; and

d. entrance examination in vocal pedagogy.

The contents of the public entrance recital, determined by the advisory committee from repertoire proposed by the candidate, are to be communicated to the applicant by the committee not less than 30 days in advance of the recital date. The applicant is responsible for the overall quality of the performance on this and all other recitals required for the degree. Entrance recitals and placement and entrance examinations are given during the first and second semester registration periods. An interview with the committee takes place after the examinations are completed.

Program of Study

Based on the results of the entrance examinations, the advisory committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 54 to 72 hours beyond the master’s degree. The courses to be completed as part of the degree requirements will be communicated to the student in writing. The repertoire is to be selected in conjunction with the applied music instructor and with the approval of the adviser. All degree recitals are to include appropriate program notes and translations to be approved by the applied music instructor and the adviser.

Although the program will be organized to meet the individual needs of the student, a typical program may include:

A final 0-credit public recital of approximately 60 minutes duration, proposed by the candidate with committee approval, is the final comprehensive examination. The program content of this recital will be communicated to the candidate 90 days in advance of the performance. To be prepared by the candidate without the aid of a teacher or coach, this recital should demonstrate high professional standards of performance.

Minor in Latin American Music

The advisory committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 54 to 72 semester hours beyond the master’s degree, which will include at least 12 semester hours of Latin American music electives. A significant portion of the repertoire for applied instruction and of recital programs must consist of music by Latin American composers.

Minor in Musicology

The advisory committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 54 to 72 semester hours beyond the master's degree, which will include at least 12 semester hours of musicology courses beyond the minimum number of hours already required for the degree. Three of those semester hours must be Research Methodology (MUS 731), unless the student has taken a similar course for the master's degree. At the conclusion of coursework, the student will take a written, four-hour minor comprehensive examination (based on four musicology courses selected by the student).