Program Overview

Overview

The Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition (DMA) program is designed for composers who have already reached a high level of proficiency and artistry in their fields and who may wish to teach at the university level. This program offers an opportunity to bring creative and performance achievement to a high level while enriching individual backgrounds with academic studies, including specialized training in music history and theory, and other areas. Graduate student composers work closely with faculty in composition and music theory, and are expected to compose major works for public performance in addition to fulfilling course requirements.

What makes the program unique?

Considered one of the finest programs of its kind in Canada, the UBC Composition Division provides an array of opportunities for the creation, exploration, and performance of contemporary music. In addition to a variety of course offerings, the division sponsors numerous composition events, including regularly scheduled Student Composer Concerts, seminars, workshops, and collaborations with local professional ensembles, performances by the Contemporary Players ensemble, and annual readings sessions by the UBC Symphony Orchestra and the UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The Composition Division also frequently hosts world-renowned guest composers and performing ensembles from across Canada and abroad. The School houses a state-of-the-art electronic music studio for students interested in creating works that involve sound synthesis, digital audio editing, or interactive computer music.

Quick Facts

• Faculty: Faculty of Arts
• Academic Unit: School of Music
• Specialization: Composition
• Mode of delivery: In person at UBC Vancouver
• Program Components: Coursework + Thesis required
• Tuition (First Year):
  • Domestic: $5,626.02
  • International: $9,883.98

Admission Information & Requirements

Program Instructions

• Supply a brief statement of intent that outlines professional goals as a composer and reasons for applying to this program at UBC.
• Submit a term paper (not less than ten pages in length).
• Submit hard-copy scores of at least five (5) works for varied media.
• Submit corresponding audio/video of these works.

Minimum Academic Requirements

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Prior Degree Requirements

• M.Mus degree in composition, or acceptable equivalent

Course Requirements

• Outstanding ability in composition
• M.Mus. degree in composition, or acceptable equivalent

Document Requirements

• A portfolio of PDF scores and corresponding audio/video of at least five (5) works for varied media.

Research Information

Facilities

The 1200-seat, world-class Chan Centre for Performing Arts, one of North America's premier musical venues, the historic Old Auditorium, and the intimate Roy Barnett Recital Hall form the core of UBC Music’s performing venues. The UBC Computer Music Studio is a teaching studio for the use of students in the electroacoustic music, computer music, and film scoring courses. The ICICS Computer Music Studio is available for students interested in pursuing research in Digital Audio or Interactive Computer Music.

Tuition & Financial Support

Tuition

• Application Fee:
  • Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat: $118.50
  • International: $168.25
• Tuition per year:
  • Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat: $5,626.02
  • International: $9,883.98

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based and need-based opportunities.

Career Outcomes

Many of our graduates hold prestigious appointments at universities, colleges, and public schools. Graduates also work in residence with major symphony orchestras and professional chamber ensembles, and contribute to commercial music internationally.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

• Applications: 13 (2023), 12 (2022), 10 (2021), 8 (2020), 8 (2019)
• Offers: 1 (2023), 3 (2022), 3 (2021), 1 (2020), 3 (2019)
• New Enrolment: 1 (2023), 2 (2022), 1 (2021), 1 (2020), 2 (2019)
• Total Enrolment: 7 (2023), 9 (2022), 8 (2021), 7 (2020), 6 (2019)

Research Supervisors

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Applicants should browse faculty profiles and indicate in their application who they are interested in working with. No commitment from a supervisor prior to applying is necessary, but contacting faculty members is encouraged.

Sample Thesis Submissions

• Drag queens and dragons: for soprano and chamber ensemble
• My Madness for soprano and small orchestra

Related Programs

• Master of Music in Composition (MMUS)
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Instrument (DMA)
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano (DMA)
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice (DMA)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Emphasis Ethnomusicology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Emphasis Musicology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Emphasis Theory (PhD)
• Master of Arts in Music, Emphasis Ethnomusicology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Music, Emphasis Musicology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Music, Emphasis Theory (MA)
• Master of Music in Conducting (Emphasis Choral Conducting) (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Conducting (Emphasis Orchestral Conducting) (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Conducting (Emphasis Wind Conducting) (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Guitar (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Harpsichord (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Historical Performance Practice (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Opera (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Orchestral Instrument (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Organ (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Piano (MMUS)
• Master of Music in Voice (MMUS)