Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation

Designed for students seeking the highest degree in the field, the DMA 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 jazz’s eclectic offshoots, along with innovative, interdisciplinary options which are at the cutting edge of pedagogical thought. Completion of the program normally requires six terms of full-time study beyond the master’s degree. Students are expected to attain candidacy effective at the beginning of the sixth term. The minimum requirements include the following: Musicology & Music Theory; Jazz Ensembles; Jazz Pedagogy. Final Project: The dissertation consists of three primary components. One includes 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. Second is the completion of a professional quality recording that showcases the candidate’s artistic growth. Third is a journal length (7- 9,000 words) written paper that indicates grasp of existing literature and originality and maturity of thought.