Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Historical Performance
Overview
What to expect
The Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance, Historical Performance, is a high-level research-intensive performance degree. Students prepare a major work of original scholarship while refining their musical skills through personalized studio lessons. They give three formal recitals over the course of their studies and defend their thesis before a committee of examiners at the end.
Why it stands out
Students are taught, supervised, and mentored by distinguished scholars and musicians. They have opportunities to collaborate with the internationally renowned Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, the Toronto Consort medieval-renaissance ensemble, and the Baroque Opera Atelier.
Who it's for
The degree is designed for students who wish to be engaged at the highest levels of their creative and intellectual abilities. Students emerge as expert historically informed scholars and musicians.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
Students are free to pursue their particular research interests under careful faculty supervision. In addition to enhanced musical skills and insights, they develop valuable connections with Toronto’s art music community.
Opportunities after graduation
The degree prepares graduates to thrive as intellectually informed professional musicians and also qualifies them for careers in post-secondary teaching and research.
Curriculum
DMA in Instrumental Performance
- DMA Seminar
- Research in Performance
- Applied Lessons
- Elective Graduate Seminars
Core Courses
The program’s core consists of individual instruction in the student’s primary performance medium (the equivalent of two full-year courses) in preparation for three recitals candidates are required to perform during their program. Required courses also include a seminar on performance-related topics (the equivalent of one full-year course) and a preliminary independent research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty advisor (a 0.5 full-year course).
Electives
Students choose the equivalent of one full-year course and a 0.5 full-year course from a range of performance-related graduate seminars.
Other Requirements
Students must complete a language requirement, major field exam, three recitals, and a thesis consisting of original research related to their performance specialization.
Admission Requirements
Complete information on requirements for admission can be found on the Application Materials page.
How to Apply
Complete information on how to apply can be found on the Graduate Applying page.