Program Overview

Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance

Overview

The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Performance prepares aspiring artists for meaningful and satisfying careers as artist-teachers in higher education. The curriculum carefully balances the refinement of performance skills with a solid academic foundation, enabling graduates to succeed in higher education.

Specializations

• Instrumental
• Keyboard
• Voice
• Conducting
• Woodwind Doubling

Classes

Shenandoah Conservatory faculty are renowned performers and pedagogues. DMA students benefit from intimate class seminars, an innovative curriculum, engaged faculty, and highly networked artist-teachers.

Performance Opportunities & Ensembles

Shenandoah Conservatory produces over 300 performances annually. Students practice their craft in front of audiences and develop a plan for their professional launch into the industry.

• Ensembles:
  • Instrumental, vocal, and dance ensembles
  • Performances take place throughout Shenandoah University's campus and beyond

Meet the Faculty

Shenandoah Conservatory's prestigious faculty is dynamic, creative, and passionately committed to artistic excellence. They mentor students with professional expertise, balancing rigorous expectations with compassion and wisdom.

Application & Audition Information

Admission to Shenandoah Conservatory graduate programs is highly competitive. Early application and audition registration are recommended.

Acceptable Instruments for This Program

• Bassoon
• Cello
• Clarinet
• Conducting
• Double Bass (classical)
• Euphonium
• Flute
• French Horn
• Guitar (classical)
• Harp
• Oboe
• Percussion (classical)
• Piano (classical)
• Saxophone (classical)
• Trombone (classical)
• Trumpet (classical)
• Tuba
• Viola
• Violin
• Voice

Program Locations

• Winchester Main Campus

Program Details

• Graduates will:
  • Perform at a level commensurate with a national or international performance career
  • Develop skills necessary to function effectively as a university-level teacher
  • Develop research and writing skills
  • Develop and utilize career navigation strategies necessary to gain a competitive position in higher education

Curriculum

• View Full Instrumental Curriculum
• View Full Keyboard Curriculum
• View Full Voice Curriculum

Additional Information

• Music Performance
  • Bachelor of Music in Performance
  • Master of Music in Performance
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance (Voice)