Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance

Program Overview

Shenandoah Conservatory's Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance program prepares students for university-level teaching careers. The revised curriculum emphasizes performance excellence, academic knowledge, and pedagogical skills, with a focus on career development and a streamlined three-year completion timeframe. Graduates are equipped to excel in diverse academic settings as university music professors, conservatory teachers, and orchestra conductors.

Program Outline

The revised curriculum focuses on achieving program completion within three years while equipping graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive field of music education.

Objectives:

This DMA program aims to:

• Cultivate students' performance abilities to a high level, commensurate with national or international performing careers.
• Foster research and writing abilities within students.
• Develop and implement career navigation strategies to help graduates acquire competitive positions in music higher education.

Outline:

The DMA curriculum balances performance skill refinement with a strong academic foundation. It features:

Specializations:

• Instrumental
• Keyboard
• Voice
• Conducting
• Woodwind Doubling

Comprehensive Coursework:

• Instrumental/Keyboard/Vocal Courses: Focused on refining performance techniques and exploring musical expression within the chosen specialization.
• Music Theory and Literature: Providing a strong foundation in musical theory, analysis, and history.
• Pedagogical Studies: Equipping students with the skills and knowledge to become effective music educators.
• Research Methods and Writing: Developing research and communication abilities necessary for scholarly work and publication.
• Career Development and Navigation: Preparing students for successful job searches and careers in music academia.
• Instrumental Curriculum:
Includes individual instruction, chamber music ensembles, performance seminars, conducting courses, and research projects.
• Keyboard Curriculum:
Focuses on solo piano performance, collaborative piano techniques, keyboard literature, pedagogy, music theory, and research projects.
• Voice Curriculum:
Features individual instruction, vocal literature and performance courses, diction, pedagogy courses in voice science and teaching methodology, music history and theory, research projects, and opera workshop opportunities.

Assessment:

• Performance Assessments:
Regular individual performance assessments and juries conducted by faculty.
• Academic Performance:
Ongoing evaluation through course assignments, projects, and examinations in music theory, literature, and pedagogy courses.
• Dissertation Project:
Students undertake a significant research project culminating in a dissertation paper and public defense.
• Teaching Practicum:
Students gain practical teaching experience and receive feedback through a supervised teaching practicum.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Individual instruction: Provides personalized feedback and guidance for each student's performance development.
• Ensemble coaching: Enhances collaborative skills and musicianship through chamber music and other ensemble settings.
• Seminar discussions: Fosters active learning and critical analysis of music theory, literature, and performance practices.
• Masterclasses: Offers exposure to renowned guest artists and specialized instruction.

Faculty

• The program boasts distinguished and renowned music faculty.
• Faculty members are highly respected performers and educators with extensive professional experience and expertise.

Unique Approach

• The revised DMA program focuses on a streamlined, three-year completion timeframe.
• It emphasizes career development and provides guidance for navigating academia's job landscape.
• The curriculum prioritizes a balance between performance excellence, academic knowledge, and pedagogical skills.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

• University-level music professor
• Conservatory teacher
• College or university music program administrator
• Orchestra conductor
• Solo or chamber music performer

Career Outcomes:

The DMA program prepares graduates for competitive careers in music higher education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in diverse academic settings.

Other:

• Performance Opportunities:
Shenandoah Conservatory offers numerous performance experiences throughout the year, providing students with valuable exposure and stage experience in various venues and ensembles.
• Ensembles:
Students can participate in over twenty instrumental, vocal, and dance ensembles, enriching their musical collaboration skills and performance experience.