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Music Performance: Music, D.M.A.

School of Music

Hone your musical talents by working one-on-one with our world-class faculty, who are ready to help you build a successful and rewarding career in performance, teaching and research.

Receive faculty-level training and gain an outstanding doctoral education through rigorous training and performance experiences in a creative environment committed to musical excellence. Performance candidates must present four full recitals and submit a research document along with passing a comprehensive exam.

Program Highlights

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    Distinguished School

    Since 1969, the School of Music has consistently retained the distinctive National Association of Schools of Music accreditation.

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    Supportive Community

    Foster your creative learning, skill development and personal exploration through Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina.

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    Stand-out Skills

    Attain performance competence at the highest professional level along with historical and theoretical knowledge.

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    Broad Scope

    Along with advanced studies in pedagogy, attain a broad knowledge of repertory and literature.

What You’ll Study

Prepare for faculty positions and demonstrate expert-level knowledge of performance techniques and musicianship in final recitals of primary instrument or voice. Complete doctoral-level study of music history, music theory and compositional styles. Choose any doctoral minor. Write and produce original research suitable for publication in your area of specialty.

Program WebsiteDegree DetailsAdmissions Info

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Performance

    Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

    Cultural Awareness

    Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs

  • Entrepreneurship

    Identifying opportunities and creating and launching new ventures

    Attention to Detail

    Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project

    Teamwork

    Working collaboratively with others to achieve a shared goal or objective

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Faculty
  • Performer

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Adjunct Piano Faculty
  • Assistant Professor of Music
  • Director of Bands
  • Director of Choirs
  • Saxophonist
  • University Lecturer

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $81,897

Workplace Settings

  • Education

Employers of Alumni

  • University of South Carolina
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Assembly Quartet
  • National Collegiate Choral Organization
  • Radford University
  • Columbia Arts Academy

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