Doctor of Musical Arts

As a terminal degree, the DMA qualifies its recipient to work in university, college, and conservatory teaching/research positions.

[citation needed] The PhD and DME are generally considered to be more research oriented, while other doctorates may place more emphasis on practical applications and/or include a performance component.

For instance, most programs include traditional research training and culminate in a written dissertation, regardless of degree designation.

[citation needed] The music education degree can be a DME, DMA or PhD, each comprising similar research-oriented programs.

Only one US institution, Claremont Graduate University[2] still offers the DCM degree, in addition to the more typical DME and DMA.

Hanson was the Chair of the NASM and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Graduate Commission.

[10] In 1953, he published a proposal for a doctor of musical arts degree, which was roundly criticized by Paul Henry Lang, professor of musicology at Columbia University.

The conservatories that are not affiliated with the National Association of Schools of Music began offering DMAs in the late 1960s.