Overview

The DMA in Performance is offered in two tracks: dissertation track and recital track. With expert faculty including 20 members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, BU School of Music is a community of academically and artistically extraordinary musicians within a major research University located in one of the great music capitals of the U.S. – Boston.

Outcomes

With your DMA in Performance, you will attain industry standards of preparation for a career as a composer, performer, scholar, or teacher.

This is your opportunity join a global network of Boston University graduates who are represented in most of the major symphony orchestras nationally and many around the world, including, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, The Chicago Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

BU’s prestigious group of alumni have won Tonys, Grammys, Golden Globes, Oscars, Emmys, and Screen Actor Guild Awards. Students are assigned a faculty member for individualized instruction in preparation to enter the field of music.

Programme Structure

Areas of study offered include:

Voice
Strings
Keyboard (piano, collaborative piano, organ)
Woodwinds
Brass
Percussion

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 84 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2024-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Music Performance View 65 other PhDs in Music Performance in United States

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Boston University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants to the DMA program should possess a Master of Music degree or a Master of Arts degree with a major in music and should have completed theory, harmony, and solfége; history of music; and liberal arts courses

Two (2) letters of recommendation from music professionals/educators.
Upload transcripts from all colleges and universities
Personal statement indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU
Current resume
Collaborative piano applicants must upload their most recent repertoire list including categories of Vocal / Instrumental / Chamber / and Solo Piano
A prescreening video recording (required of all Cello, Collaborative Piano, Conducting, Double Bass, Flute, Piano, Trombone, Trumpet, Viola, Violin, Voice, and all DMA applicants)
A live or final recorded audition following the audition repertoire guidelines for the appropriate instrument

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 84 months.
National

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 84 months.
In-State

63798 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 63798 USD per year during 84 months.

Living costs for Boston

1560 - 3239 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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