Program Overview

Doctor of Musical Arts

The Doctor of Musical Arts at Waikato emphasises performance and research. Dive into musical works of artistic and creative integrity, complemented by a thesis showcasing your own independent research.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification: 360 points
• The expected duration of full-time study: 3 years

Locations

• The study location where the qualification is offered: Hamilton

Area of Study

• This qualification can be studied under the School of Arts and the School of Graduate Research.

Start Dates

• This qualification can be started in Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why Study the Doctor of Musical Arts?

If you're passionate about musical performance, the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) is the doctoral degree for you. If your interests relating to music are more in the areas of composition, research-based musicology, multimedia work, music technology, or electroacoustic music, then consider enrolling in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) instead.

While working towards your Doctor of Musical Arts at Waikato, you'll spend half your time doing performances based on your research, and the other half putting your written thesis together. You'll perform every week, and during these performances, you'll demonstrate to your supervisor what you've learned from your research. At Waikato, your DMA supervisors are leading musicians, and you'll be able to use a state-of-the-art performing arts venue for your practical lessons.

Degree Information

Entry Requirements

To enter, Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) students must have completed a MMus (Performance) with First or Second Class Honours (Division 1) or equivalent, comply with the postgraduate entry regulations of the University of Waikato, and audition successfully on an applied instrument or voice.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees for domestic students: $7,640 - $8,113 per year
• Domestic tuition fees are indicative only and may change.
• There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment.
• Scholarships are available; visit the Scholarship Finder for more information.

Career Paths

The Waikato DMA equips you with the skills to transform your passion for music into a career. Potential career paths include:

• Solo artist
• Chamber or orchestral musician
• Accompanist
• Recording artist
• Repetiteur Alternatively, you can apply your skills in radio or print music journalism. If teaching appeals to you, the DMA also prepares you for roles such as:
• Performer-academic in the tertiary sector
• Instrument or vocal teacher

Research Topics

In the DMA program, you can select a research topic that aligns with your interests. Previous student topics have included:

• Composers: Exploring New Zealand cellist and composer Arnold Trowell, and New Zealand composer John Ritchie.
• Musical Composition in Performance: Investigating J.S. Bach's use of variation form in Lutheran chorales.
• Music Education: Examining the application of ICT in the music classroom, focusing on tools and trends in New Zealand secondary schools.
• Cultural Music Traditions: Studying the repertoire and composition of Māori waiata and puoro in relation to the Kīngitanga (King Movement) from 1912 to 2008.
• Technology in Music: Developing a mouse-driven interface for virtual stringed instrument controllers.

Scholarships and Prizes

Visit the Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.

PhD Research Opportunities

Browse available PhD or Doctoral opportunities, research areas, and potential supervisors.

Student Testimonials

• Students praise the unique culture of the Music Department, the supportiveness of the lecturers, and the holistic approach to their development.
• The direct communication between lecturers and students is valued, allowing for easy access to help and guidance.
• The diversity of classmates and the inspiring backgrounds they come from are highlighted as a positive aspect of the program.
• The people around them, including classmates and lecturers, are considered the highlight of their degree, providing a supportive and diverse environment.