Program Requirements

Performance Requirements

The degree program in performance is designed for students seeking a professional career as an instrumentalist, vocalist, or conductor. The curriculum has been designed to provide training in areas essential to the broadening and strengthening of students’ skills required to attain the exacting standards in the profession today.

Performance majors are offered in piano, organ, violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, harp, guitar, voice, and orchestral and choral conducting.

Admission to this major is dependent on the applicant’s performance abilities. Applicants are expected to submit recordings that include repertoire specified by individual departments, and they should also be prepared for aural and written tests dealing with the essentials of comprehensive musicianship.

Below are listed the special requirements for a degree candidate in performance, which are in addition to the prescribed work.

Master of Music

Present a formal public recital in the final year of study. Certain departments require a recital in each year of residence.

Master of Musical Arts

Present a formal public recital in each year of study.
Complete successfully a master's thesis and comprehensive oral and written examinations.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Pursue a professional career giving evidence of distinguished professional achievement in the candidate's field.
Confirm that evidence by a professional recital and comprehensive oral examination at Yale. The DMA degree is awarded only to holders of the MMA degree from Yale, and no later than the end of the sixth year after the MMA degree has been received.

Composition Requirements

The degree program in composition is designed as preparation for professional work in composition and such related fields as teaching, arranging, scoring, music technology, or similar activities that require a high degree of professional competence in working with the materials of music.

Admission to this major is dependent primarily on demonstrated ability in composition. Applicants should submit scores and compact discs of three recent works, each written for a different group of instruments, voices, and/or electronic media. They should also be prepared for aural and written tests dealing with the essentials of comprehensive musicianship and the history of music.

Master of Music

In the course of two years, each candidate must present, in public performances of his or her music, the equivalent of a full recital program.

Master of Musical Arts

In the course of two years, each candidate must present, in public performances of his or her music, the equivalent of a full recital program. Candidates must also successfully complete a master’s research project consisting of a major musical composition and a scholarly paper, and pass comprehensive oral and written examinations.

Internal candidates must enroll in the MMA seminar during the final term of their MM year. The number of electives varies according to the requirements of the departments. Some MMA students may be required by their departments to enroll in specific classes.

Doctor of Musical Arts

All students pursue a professional career giving evidence of distinguished professional achievement in the candidate’s field and confirm that evidence with a professional recital and comprehensive oral examination at Yale.

The DMA degree is awarded only to holders of the MMA degree from Yale, and no later than the end of the sixth year after the MMA degree has been received.