Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation
Program Overview
Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation is a rigorous three-year course of study that combines improvisation, composition, and wide-ranging academic inquiry. Pedagogy combines the finest in traditional jazz training with the systematic study of jazzs eclectic offshoots, along with innovative, interdisciplinary options which are at the cutting edge of pedagogical thought.
Curriculum
Completion of the program normally requires six terms of full-time study beyond the masters degree. Students are expected to attain candidacy effective at the beginning of the sixth term. The minimum requirements include:
- Musicology & Music Theory
- Jazz Ensembles
- Jazz Pedagogy
Final Project
The dissertation consists of three primary components:
- Two public recitals that will demonstrate the improvisatory expertise of the candidate across a substantive stylistic range, as well as feature his or her original compositions and arrangements. At least one large ensemble (e.g., jazz orchestra or equivalent) composition is expected on one of the recitals.
- The completion of a professional quality recording that showcases the candidates artistic growth.
- A journal-length (7-9,000 words) written paper that indicates grasp of existing literature and originality and maturity of thought.
Funding
Nearly all DMA students receive full-tuition fellowships. Most also receive health benefits and a stipend attached to a Graduate Student Assistantship, which can vary in proportion to the appointment fraction and the duties associated with it. In addition to the funding packages offered by the SMTD, Rackham students are also eligible to apply for a wide range of fellowships to fund research, travel, and performance.
Residency Requirement
At least one academic year of full-time residency is required.
Faculty
The faculty for the Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation includes:
- Andrew Bishop, Chair of Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation and Professor of Music
- Marion Hayden, Lecturer
- Robert Hurst, Associate Professor of Music
- Kris Johnson, Assistant Professor of Music
- Marcus Elliot Miller, Lecturer; Director, Creative Arts Orchestra
- Andy Milne, Associate Professor of Music
- Brad Phillips, Lecturer
- Daniel Pinilla, Clinical Assistant Professor of Music
- Ellen Rowe, Chair of Conducting; Arthur F. Thurnau Professor / Earl V. Moore Collegiate Professor of Music
- Edward W. Sarath, Professor of Music
- Martha Travers, Lecturer
- Dennis Wilson, Associate Professor of Music
- Nate Winn, Lecturer
Performance Opportunities
From large ensembles in celebrated concert halls to chamber groups in intimate recital spaces, performance opportunities across all disciplines abound, with nearly 900 student performances each academic year. Specific ensembles include:
- Jazz Ensemble, directed by Ellen Rowe
- Jazz Lab Ensemble, directed by Dennis Wilson
- Small Jazz Ensembles
- Creative Arts Orchestra
These ensembles provide students with a wide range of performance opportunities, from traditional jazz to innovative and interdisciplinary performances.