The Doctor Of Musical Arts In Performance curriculum carefully balances the refinement of performance skills with a solid academic foundation. The degree is designed to better enable a three-year completion while positioning graduates for career success in higher education. Targeted course work in music performance, career skills navigation, music literature and theory provide the necessary skills to be a successful 21st century artist-teacher.

• A face-to-the-camera video recording of the applicant leading at least 20 minutes of performance and 10 minutes of rehearsal. The applicant should be identified at the beginning of the recording via spoken introduction or title screen. The recording should represent the applicant’s abilities before a full orchestra, wind ensemble, choral ensemble, combined choral-orchestral ensemble, or opera ensemble. Choice of repertoire is left to the applicant.

• Essay of 500–750 words addressing your interest in the program, the experiences that have contributed to your preparation for further study in your intended field, your research interests (if any) and professional goals.

• Scholarly writing sample that includes citations and a bibliography. All academic style formats (MLA, Chicago, etc.) are accepted.
• It is highly recommended to encourage your references to submit their letters before the prescreen deadline.

• The applicant should communicate with the relevant professor of conducting before including a recording of work with a chamber ensemble.

  • Wind Ensemble Conducting Applicants Note: Most successful applicants have previous experience working with the program director, Dr. Tim Robblee. If interested in applying, it is recommended to contact Dr. Robblee at timothy.robblee@su.edu a year in advance of applying to the program.

  • Choral Conducting: Please contact the Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Richard Robbins, at richard.robbins@su.edu.

  • Orchestral Conducting: Please contact the Director of Orchestral Studies, Dr. Emanuele Andrizzi, at emanuele.andrizzi@su.edu

Applicants who pass the recorded prescreening will be invited to register for an audition. You will not be able to register for an audition before successfully completing your prescreening. The firm deadline for prescreening materials submission is January 31.

D.M.A. in Performance: Conducting
Audition Requirements

• A live conducting audition and interview with the faculty directors in the area of study is required. Live auditions and interviews are by invitation only. Candidates will be invited to audition and interview by the conducting faculty, based on their evaluation of application and prescreening materials.
• Based on intended focus, the applicant will conduct an orchestral, wind or choral ensemble for 30 minutes.
  • For orchestral and wind conductors, at least 10 minutes of the 30 will be dedicated to rehearsal. Repertoire will be chosen from works that have been recently performed by the ensemble.
• For choral conductors, the entire 30 minutes will be dedicated to rehearsal. Candidates will be asked to rehearse a piece recently performed by the choral ensemble and will be asked to introduce a piece that the choral ensemble has not yet performed.

The firm deadline to register for a Graduate Audition is February 1.