E-mail: musicgraduate@bgsu.edu
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Contemporary Music (DMA) offers specializations in composition or performance (conducting, instrumental or vocal). Contemporary music is defined for this degree as art music created after 1945, although chronological flexibility may be permitted according to individual interests.
The DMA develops versatile composers and performers through concentrated focus on contemporary music. The degree is grounded in applied study in composition or performance, but goes beyond traditional boundaries by integrating these practices in multidisciplinary seminars and discovering new contexts through studies in culture, digital media and music cognition.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Doctoral degree, students in the Contemporary Music program are expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of competence in the technical aspects of contemporary music and culture.
- Demonstrate a high level of competence in the aesthetic and philosophical aspects of contemporary music and culture.
- Practically apply and demonstrate their technical, aesthetic and philosophical knowledge of contemporary music in an internship in a real world non-academic music setting.
- Analyze the relationships among multiple traditions, histories, and styles of contemporary music, arts, and other disciplines.
- Using the skills above, conduct original scholarship in the field of contemporary music.
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline is January 5 for Fall. Since application reviews may begin immediately after the deadline, we recommend submitting your application and providing all required documents before the deadline.
Additional Document required:
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Professional Resume - Include degrees earned, work experience, honors and awards, names of teachers and any other relevant information
- Writing Sample - Sample Research Paper
- Artistic Materials - Use the Portfolio link to the left to upload your Artistic Materials (see instructions below). Performances must be an MP4 video uploaded directly to this application–no links.
- Repertoire List (see instructions below). Upload this after you submit your application through your Application Status page.
Artistic Materials (performances must be an MP4 video uploaded directly to this application–no links).Upload one of the following:
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Composition Specialization -Three scores of recent compositions, one of which is for large ensemble or resources, with performance video.
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Performance Specialization (conducting) - A video representing music of the 20th/21st centuries and other periods such as Romantic or Classical. The video must include portions of rehearsals and live performances. Including commissioned works or premieres is encouraged. A variety of ensembles is acceptable, but the video must include some conducting work with the ensemble appropriate to the specific area of specialization, i.e., orchestra, wind ensemble/band, chorus. The video must be taped from the back of the ensemble, so that the conductor’s face is visible.
- Performance Specialization (instrumental or vocal) - A 45-60 minute video highlighting the candidate’s proficiency in contemporary music performance. Approximately 50-60 percent of the recording must be 20th/21st century literature with the remaining works from other historic periods; a concerto or concert aria with ensemble accompaniment may be included. Single movements are acceptable. Edited or commercial recordings are permitted (identify the recording process); include at least one live performance. Including commissioned works or premieres is encouraged.
Repertoire List (upload one of the following):
- Composition Specialization - A list of all works composed with instrumentation and date of composition.
- Performance Specialization (conducting) - A list of works performed, rehearsed and studied.
- Performance Specialization (instrumental or vocal) - A list of works performed, studied, commissioned and premiered.
International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.
Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.
Application Requirements
Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements
International Application Information
Degree Requirements
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