DMA in Composition

The DMA in composition is offered to a limited number of students who demonstrate substantial training in the field and high promise of attainment as composers. Students may work in traditional and/or electronic forms. Breadth is achieved through studies in other branches of music and in relevant fields outside of music, as desirable. In addition to formal coursework and independent study, candidates are required to write a number of works in various forms and to present a public lecture-demonstration based on their final project, a large-scale composition.

Below you will find a chart with the placement of the major milestones for your career as a doctoral student in composition.  Please note that each of the major milestones and recommended/required coursework for the degree plan are discussed and defined more elaborately in the Department of Music Graduate Handbook.

Milestones and Examinations

Year One
  • Autumn: Y1Q1
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended
    Milestone: Diagnostic Exams (read about ALL exams in the Music Graduate Student Handbook)
    Collaborative determination of 5 works suggested per student for addition to the 90 pieces under study for Section B of Quals Exam
  • Winter: Y1Q2
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended
  • Spring: Y1Q3
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended
    Establish Quals Committee and Inform GSSO
  • Summer: Y1Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only
    Qualifying Exam preparation; mid-August library reserve of Section A piece and score
    Milestone: Qualifying Examination (taken in the week prior to the start of classes in Autumn Quarter of Year II)
Year Two
  • Autumn: Y2Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Milestone: Qualifying Examination (taken in the week prior to the start of classes)
    Associated Forms: Qualifying Exam Report (completed by faculty committee); Candidacy Form (after passing exam)
  • Winter: Y2Q2
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Milestone: PhD Reading Examination in a Foreign Language (any quarter prior to TGR; soonest recommended)

  • Spring: Y2Q3
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Jury/Portfolio Review preparation (Schedule Review with the instructor of Music 324 for Autumn of Year III.)
    Finalize Special Area Exam Committee (determine membership and inform GSSO)

  • Summer: Y2Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only

Year Three
  • Autumn: Y3Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Jury/Portfolio Review (prior to end of week nine; bound anthology & recordings on reserve at library 1 month prior)
  • Winter: Y3Q2
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
  • Spring: Y3Q3
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
    Milestone: Teaching Requirement met (upon completing the last six quarters of Teaching Assistantships)
  • Summer: Y3Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only
    Milestone: Final Project Reading Committee Form
Year Four
  • Autumn: Y4Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Milestone: Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) acquired in fourth year (no later than the end of Spring quarter)
    Associated Form: TGR Petition (e-form; when 135 units reached; enroll in Music 801 ONLY after being granted TGR status)
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
  • Winter: Y4Q2
    Enroll in Music 801, TGR Final Project with your advisor: 0-3 units
    Milestone: Special Area Exam (scheduled in the first week of winter quarter)
    Schedule Public Lecture (presentation in Music 324; scheduled in Y3Q3 and completed prior to week nine, Y4Q2)
  • Spring: Y4Q3
    Enroll in Music 801, TGR Final Project with your advisor: 0-3 units
    Final Project preparation
  • Summer: Y4Q4
    Enroll in Music 801, TGR Final Project with your advisor: 0-3 units
Year Five
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