Program Overview
The DMA in Music with a concentration in Music Composition at ASU is designed for exceptional composers seeking to develop their unique voices and approaches to music. Through intensive coursework, private lessons, and performance opportunities, students gain advanced skills in composition, music theory, and research, preparing them for careers as composers, performers, educators, researchers, and music technologists. The program emphasizes collaboration and experimentation, fostering students' creativity and individuality.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective:
The DMA in Music with a concentration in Music Composition is designed for outstanding students of acoustic, electronic, and multimedia composition. The program aims to develop students' compositional voices and individual approaches to music, regardless of style or aesthetic.
Description:
The program offers a comprehensive approach to music composition through intensive coursework, private lessons with faculty, and performance opportunities. Students will collaborate with music scholars, theorists, performers, educators, and other composers to gain a well-rounded foundation for their future careers.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program focuses on the development of advanced skills in traditional and contemporary composition techniques, covering various styles and traditions. Students will learn to:
- Compose original works in diverse styles and aesthetics.
- Develop their own compositional voice and approach.
- Gain in-depth knowledge of music theory, analysis, and history.
- Collaborate with other composers, performers, and scholars.
Structure:
The program consists of 90 credit hours distributed as follows:
- Major Area (Composition, Music Technology, Electives): 36 credit hours
- Music Theory and Music History: 30 credit hours
- Research: 12 credit hours
- Dissertation: 12 credit hours
Courses:
The program includes courses in:
- Composition (including individual lessons)
- Music Theory
- Music History
- Music Technology
- Analysis
- Research Methods
- Dissertation Research
Schedule:
The program is offered in a full-time format, typically requiring three years of study beyond the master's degree.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:
- Performance and Composition Reviews: Faculty and guest artists provide feedback on student compositions and performances.
- Written Exams: Students take written exams to demonstrate their understanding of music theory and history.
- Research Papers: Students write research papers on topics related to music composition.
- Dissertation Defense: Students defend their dissertation before a faculty committee.
Assessment Criteria:
The program evaluates students based on their:
- Compositional Skills: Originality, creativity, technical proficiency, and mastery of different styles.
- Theoretical Knowledge: Understanding of music theory, analysis, and history.
- Research Skills: Ability to conduct research and write scholarly papers.
- Professionalism: Presentation, communication, and collaboration skills.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:
- Individual Lessons: Students receive individual instruction from renowned composers on their composition projects.
- Seminars and Workshops: Students participate in seminars and workshops on various topics related to music composition.
- Guest Lectures and Masterclasses: The program invites guest artists and scholars to provide lectures and masterclasses.
- Collaborative Projects: Students collaborate with other composers, performers, and scholars on various projects.
Faculty:
The program boasts a distinguished faculty of composers, theorists, and performers. Each faculty member brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the program. Students are encouraged to experiment with different styles, technologies, and approaches to composition.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program pursue careers as:
- Composers: Creating original music for film, television, video games, concert halls, and other media.
- Performers: Performing their own compositions or the works of other composers.
- Educators: Teaching music composition and theory at universities, colleges, and conservatories.
- Researchers: Conducting research on music composition and related topics.
- Music Technologists: Developing and using technology for music creation and production.
Career Opportunities:
The program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the music industry, academia, and other fields. Graduates are highly sought after for their skills in composition, creativity, and critical thinking.
Other:
Performance Opportunities:
The program provides numerous opportunities for students to showcase their work through:
- Performances by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles.
- Yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia.
- Commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival.
- Students from western states may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate.
- The program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- The program offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships and assistantships.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
The program has specific entry requirements for applicants, encompassing both academic qualifications and other relevant experiences:
Academic Qualifications:
- A U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, or the equivalent from another country's institution, officially recognized.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale of 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of a bachelor's degree program.
- Alternatively, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale of 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Other Requirements:
- Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory, required for all new graduate music students, before enrolling in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre.
- Up to 30 credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
- A minimum of two semesters spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU is mandatory.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of their current residency.
- Required scores:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 80
- IELTS overall band score: minimum 6.5
