Yale University awards three graduate professional degrees through the School of Music: Master of Music (M.M.), Master of Musical Arts (M.M.A.), and Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.). There is a Certificate in Performance (CERT) program and an Artist Diploma (A.D.) program for performers holding a minimum of a high school diploma and a combined Bachelor of Arts/Master of Music (B.A./M.M.) program offered in conjunction with Yale College.
Graduate study in music history, music theory, and ethnomusicology, leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree, is offered through the Department of Music in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Degrees and Programs in Performance
The degrees and programs in performance are designed for the student seeking a professional career as an instrumentalist, vocalist, or conductor. Curricula provide training in areas essential to the broadening and strengthening of students’ skills required to meet the exacting standards of today’s profession. Performance majors are offered in piano, organ, harpsichord, violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, harp, guitar, and voice, as well as in orchestral and choral conducting. Admission is dependent upon the applicant’s performance abilities, and candidates are admitted on the basis of screening recordings and a live audition. For admissions requirements and processes, see the chapter Admission Procedures.
Degrees in Composition
The degrees in composition are designed as preparation for professional work in composition and such related fields as teaching, arranging, scoring, music technology, and similar activities that require a high degree of professional competence in working with the materials of music. Admission is dependent upon the applicant’s demonstrated abilities in composition, and candidates are admitted on the basis of submitted scores and recordings of their music, in addition to a live interview. For admissions requirements and processes, see the chapter Admission Procedures.