Doctor of Musical Arts–DMA 360 points Qualification regulations

Before enrolment, a candidate for the DMA degree shall have:

(a) completed a Master of Music with Distinction or Merit or a Master of Musical Arts with Distinction or Merit;

(b) passed an audition, in the case of a candidate in performance, or submitted an acceptable portfolio of compositions in the case of a candidate in composition, or sound-based works in the case of a candidate in sonic arts, and submitted an acceptable sample of extended writing; and

(c) been accepted by the Head of School of the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī and the relevant Associate Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, as a candidate for the doctorate.

The course of study for the DMA shall comprise two parts, worth 120 and 240 points respectively.

Part 1 (Year 1) shall comprise:

(a) 30 points from NZSM 651–652; and

(b) NZSM 650; and (c) either NZSM 640 or NZSM 641.

Part 2 (Years 2 and 3) shall comprise research demonstrated through creative work and an exegesis, namely: NZSM 660 or 661.

The creative work will comprise either:

(a) two public recitals and two lecture recitals; or

(b) a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works and public presentation(s).

The repertoire to be performed and the scope of the portfolio must be approved in advance by the Head of School. The exegesis will consist of a substantive piece of writing that offers a critical perspective on the creative work.

In order to proceed to Part 2, a candidate must:

(a) achieve a GPA of 6 or better across all Part 1 courses;

(b) achieve a grade of A– or better in NZSM 640 or NZSM 641; and

(c) through a public presentation of the research proposal, satisfy a panel, appointed by the Head of School, of their readiness to proceed.

3. Except with the permission of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Research, the minimum and maximum periods of enrolment (excluding any approved period(s) of suspension) shall be as follows:

(a) The minimum period in Part 2 is 24 months full time.

(b) The maximum period for Parts 1 and 2 combined is 48 months full time.

(c) For a candidate permitted to enrol half time for part, or all, of their programme, the minimum and maximum periods shall be calculated on a pro rata basis.

The personal course of study of each candidate shall satisfy the requirements for one of the subjects listed below.

Composition (CMPO)

Part 1: NZSM 640, NZSM 650, and 30 points from NZSM 651–652

Part 2: NZSM 660.

Performance (PRFM)

Part 1: NZSM 641, NZSM 650, and 30 points from NZSM 651–652

Part 2: NZSM 661.