The Curriculum of the DMA degree at Notre Dame

The coursework in the DMA in Choral Conducting or Organ can be completed in three years. Foreign language and some liturgy courses may be taken during the summer school sessions. The student is expected to proceed with increasing artistic and research independence toward a level of creative ability matching the student's professional objectives. After admission, the student will begin with a series of diagnostic tests and interviews with the principal mentor, to discuss professional and artistic goals, determine any deficiencies that need remedial work, and propose areas of complementary specialization according to research interests.

Degree requirements for Choral Conducting or Organ:

a. Expected time to degree is three (3) years

b. A total of 60 credit hours, divided into four areas as described below.

• I. Performance Requirements
• II. Musicianship and Repertoires
• III. Core Academics
• IV. Advanced Academic Studies and Optional Complementary Specializations

c. An annual recital; in the last year this will be a lecture-recital.

d. Language exams in Latin and German

e. A repertory exam in the third year.

f. A thesis of 100-150 pages related to the history, repertory, or performance practice of the kind of music they specialize in.

g. A supervised placement every semester in a Catholic parish, a local Christian church, or other professionally-appropriate context, with written learning goals and written self-assessments by the student with the pastor or supervisor.

h. An annual written assessment of each student by the faculty.

i. A portfolio of accomplishments compiled by the student and evaluated each year.

j. An assessment of the student's goals and accomplishments in forming a children's choir in a parish or local church, written by the student at the end of the third year.