Course Overview!

Ball State University's Doctor of Arts (DA) in Music program distinguishes itself by integrating teaching, performance, and scholarship. It features a strong primary study area (24 out of 90 credits) and a significant secondary emphasis (15 credit hours), allowing students to gain expertise in two related or complementary fields. The program is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in academia and the performing arts. Students select a primary focus from performance (voice, piano, symphonic instruments), piano chamber music/accompanying, conducting, music education, or theory/composition. The secondary area can be in another graduate music area or even in a completely different field, allowing for flexibility and expanding job prospects. The curriculum involves a comprehensive written and oral exam, a teaching internship at Ball State, and an externship at another institution. Dissertation options include a lecture recital (similar to a DMA) or a traditional dissertation (similar to a PhD), providing flexibility according to career goals.

Course Structure

The Doctor of Arts in Music program comprises 90 credit hours. Students dedicate 24 credits to their primary area of study and 15 credits to a secondary area. The primary area allows for specialization in performance, conducting, music education, theory/composition, or chamber music/accompanying. The secondary area is flexible, accommodating additional music studies or interdisciplinary pursuits. The curriculum includes coursework, comprehensive exams, teaching experiences (internship and externship), and a dissertation (either lecture recital or traditional). The program emphasizes a balance between artistic practice, scholarly inquiry, and pedagogical proficiency, preparing students for a range of roles in higher education and the broader music world.