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 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 67 other PhDs in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

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 Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33382 USD / year

≈ 33382 USD / year
Out-of-State

33382 USD / year

≈ 33382 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

33382 USD / year

≈ 33382 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

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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