Program Requirements

Master of Music

The M.M. program provides focused training in the student’s major field—performance, conducting, or composition—supported by studies in theoretical and historical subjects. Individual courses of study will be assembled as recommended by the individual department and the academic adviser.

Degree requirements

  • Two years of residency are required.
  • Candidates must complete at least 72 credits. The recommended normal load is 18 credits per term; all candidates must complete at least 16 credits per term.
  • Candidates must complete at least one non-performance course each term.
  • Candidates must complete at least one non-performance course from each of distribution groups A, B, and C.
  • Candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, equivalent to an average grade of B. Candidates whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must earn a grade of B or better each term in both Individual Instruction in the Major and Seminar in the Major. Candidates who receive a grade lower than a B in either course will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must present a juried degree recital or its equivalent in the final year of study; certain departments require a recital during each year in residence.
  • All proficiencies and required courses must be completed satisfactorily before the Master of Music degree can be conferred.
  • Residence in Greater New Haven is required.

Course Requirements

Orchestral Instruments
Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Chamber Music 8
Yale Philharmonia/New Music New Haven 8
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses* 22

*Cellists are also required to enroll in the Yale Cello Ensemble each term, for a total of 8 credits.

Guitar
Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Chamber Music 8
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 30
Piano*
Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 16
Chamber Music 8
Collaborative Piano: Instrumental 2
Collaborative Piano: Vocal 2
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 18

*All piano majors are required to play for at least one instrumental or vocal recital per academic year without pay as part of the departmental major. See Major Field Requirements under Degrees and General Requirements.

Harpsichord
Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Chamber Music 8
Advanced Continuo Realization 4
Performance Practice Before 1750 minimum of 4
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses* 22

*At the beginning of the program, harpsichord students are assessed for skills in continuo realization and may be required to take the introductory Continuo Realization course before progressing to Advanced Continuo Realization.

Organ*
Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Colloquium (ISM students only)† 4
Liturgical Keyboard Skills 4
Liturgical Music Skills 4
Keyboard Harmony for Organists 2
Elements of Choral Technique 4
Secondary Conducting Lessons 2
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 18

*At the beginning of the program, organ students are assessed for skills in keyboard harmony, service playing, conducting, and voice and may be required to take classes for further development in these areas.

†School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Orchestral Conducting
Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Philharmonia/New Music New Haven 8
Analysis electives (from Group A courses)* minimum of 16
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 14

*At the beginning of the program, orchestral conducting students are assessed for skills in score reading and analysis and may be required to take Introduction to Score Reading and Analysis, Intermediate Score Reading and Analysis, and/or other specific courses that focus on analysis and musicianship.

Choral Conducting
Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Repertory Chorus 8
Recital Chorus 8
Camerata 4
Other Choruses 4
Secondary Voice Lessons 4
Colloquium (ISM only)* 4
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 6

*School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Voice (Opera)
Course Credits
Total 74
Individual Instruction 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Opera Workshop 12
Vocal Repertoire 8
Lyric Diction 8
Acting for Singers 4
Art Song Coaching 4
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 4
Voice (Early Music, Oratorio, and Chamber Ensemble)
Course Credits
Total 74
Individual Instruction 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Acting and Movement for Singers 2
Lyric Diction 4 or more
Early Music Coaching 4
Art Song Coaching 4
Performance Practice for Singers 8
Schola Cantorum 8
Vocal Chamber Music 2
Colloquium (ISM students only)* 4
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 4

*School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Composition
Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Tonal Analysis elective 4
Nontonal Analysis elective 4
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 30

Master of Musical Arts

The program provides intensive training in the student’s major field—performance, conducting, or composition—supported by studies in theoretical and historical subjects. Individual courses of study will be assembled as recommended by the individual department and the academic adviser.

Degree requirements

  • Candidates who hold an M.M. degree from the School of Music are expected to complete the program in one year. External candidates are required to complete two years of study.
  • Internal candidates must complete at least 32 credits; external candidates must complete at least 64 credits. The recommended normal load is 16 credits per term; all candidates must complete at least 14 credits per term.
  • Candidates must complete at least one non-performance course each term.
  • Candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, equivalent to an average grade of B. Candidates whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must earn a grade of B or better each term in both Individual Instruction in the Major and Seminar in the Major. Students who receive a grade lower than a B in either course will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must present public juried recitals or equivalents during each year of residence. Internal candidates must present one recital or equivalent, accompanied by a pre-concert lecture. External candidates must present two recitals or equivalents, one of which must be accompanied by a pre-concert lecture. The substance of pre-concert lectures will be prepared with and guided by a faculty member.
  • All proficiencies and required courses must be completed satisfactorily before the Master of Musical Arts degree can be conferred.
  • Residence in Greater New Haven is required.

Course Requirements

Orchestral Instruments
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 64
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major — 8
Chamber Music 4 8
Yale Philharmonia/New Music New Haven 4 8
Electives or required courses* 16 24

*Cellists are also required to enroll in the Yale Cello Ensemble each term, for a total of 4 credits for internal candidates and 8 credits for external candidates.

Guitar
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 64
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Chamber Music 4 8
Electives or required courses 16 32
Piano*
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 64
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major — 16
Chamber Music 4 8
Collaborative Piano: Instrumental — 2
Collaborative Piano: Vocal — 2
Electives or required courses 20 20

*All piano majors are required to play for at least one instrumental or vocal recital per academic year without pay as part of the departmental major. See Major Field Requirements under Degrees and General Requirements.

Harpsichord
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 64
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Chamber Music 4 8
Advanced Continuo Realization — 4
Performance Practice before 1750 — minimum of 4
Electives or required courses* 16 24

*At the beginning of the program, harpsichord students are assessed for skills in continuo realization and may be required to take the introductory Continuo Realization course before progressing to Advanced Continuo Realization.

Organ*
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 64
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Colloquium (ISM students only)† 2 4
Liturgical Keyboard Skills — 4
Liturgical Music Skills — 4
Keyboard Harmony for Organists — 2
Elements of Choral Technique — 4
Secondary Conducting Lessons — 2
Electives or required courses* 18 20

*At the beginning of the program, organ students are assessed for skills in keyboard harmony, service playing, conducting, and voice and may be required to take classes for further development in these areas.

†School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Orchestral Conducting
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 64
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Philharmonia/New Music New Haven 4 8
Analysis electives (from Group A)* 8 16
Electives or required courses 8 16

*At the beginning of the program, orchestral conducting students are assessed for skills in score reading and analysis and may be required to take Introduction to Score Reading and Analysis, Intermediate Score Reading and Analysis, and/or other specific courses that focus on analysis and musicianship.

Choral Conducting
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 36 70
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Repertory Chorus 4 8
Recital Chorus 4 8
Camerata 2 4
Other Choruses 2 4
Secondary Voice Lessons 2 4
Colloquium (ISM students only)* 2 4
Electives or required courses 8 14

*School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Voice (Opera)
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 74
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Opera Workshop 6 12
Vocal Repertoire — 8
Lyric Diction — 8
Acting and Movement for Singers 2 4
Art Song Coaching 2 4
Electives or required courses 10 14
Voice (Early Music, Oratorio, etc.)
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 74
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Acting and Movement for Singers — 2
Lyric Diction — 4 or more
Early Music Coaching — 4
Art Song Coaching 2 4
Performance Practice for Singers — 8
Schola Cantorum 4 8
Vocal Chamber Music 2 2
Colloquium (ISM students only)* 2 4
Electives or required courses 10 14

*School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Composition
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 32 64
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Tonal Analysis elective — 4
Nontonal Analysis elective — 4
Electives or required courses 20 32

Doctor of Musical Arts

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Yale is a distinctive program comprised of a two-year residential component on campus followed by a three-year dissertation period during which candidates develop and demonstrate professional and artistic excellence. The degree provides intensive training in the student’s major field—performance, conducting, or composition—augmented by studies in theoretical and historical subjects. Yale University confers the Doctor of Musical Arts degree on those candidates who have successfully completed four terms of residential requirements, demonstrated expertise in the major field through artistic excellence and distinguished achievements in the dissertation period, and concluded the program requirements by passing the final D.M.A. recital and oral examination.

“Distinguished achievements” will be determined by the quality and extent of professional accomplishments reflecting the candidate’s own initiative and ability, including, but not restricted to, any professional position the candidate might hold. The level of achievement should be substantially higher and broader than the existing high standard of professional activity at the time of matriculation into the program. Innovative and creative contributions to the profession will be considered particularly significant.

The candidate’s attention is drawn to the fact that the school’s doctoral degree is earned in Musical Arts. The school interprets this degree in a most comprehensive manner and expects that all candidates will possess both great depth and breadth within the field of music. The candidate for Yale’s D.M.A. degree should demonstrate:

  • exceptional competence as a performer, conductor, or composer;
  • intellectual curiosity about music and an ability to discuss in depth its history, theory, styles, sources, and relationship to the other arts and to society;
  • and extensive knowledge about many aspects of music making and real experience in these closely allied fields. For example, an instrumentalist should be familiar with the elements of compositional techniques. By the same token, every composer should display considerable skill as a performer.

Structure of the D.M.A. Program

Residential Component

  • During the two-year residential period, candidates must complete at least 72 credits. The recommended normal load is 18 credits per term; all candidates must complete at least 16 credits per term.
  • Candidates must complete at least one non-performance course each term.
  • Candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, equivalent to an average grade of B. Candidates whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must earn a grade of B or better each term in both Individual Instruction in the Major and Seminar in the Major. Candidates who receive a grade lower than a B in either course will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates may be required to complete certain courses on the basis of the D.M.A. admission examination.
  • Candidates must present public juried recitals or equivalents during each year of their residency.
  • A D.M.A. thesis, as well as a lecture based on the thesis, is required of all candidates. A thesis prospectus must be submitted at the start of the second D.M.A. seminar.
  • Candidates are required to pass comprehensive written and oral examinations in order to qualify for the dissertation period.
  • All proficiencies, required courses, and other requirements must be completed satisfactorily before candidates can qualify for the dissertation period.
  • Residence in Greater New Haven is required during the residential period of the degree program.

Dissertation Component

  • During the three-year dissertation period, D.M.A. candidates will be focused full-time on compiling a dossier of distinguished artistic and professional achievements.
  • All D.M.A. candidates must engage in professional experiences throughout their candidacy to meet the dossier requirement.
  • Throughout this phase of the degree, candidates must annually submit updated summaries of their professional activities to the D.M.A. committee by March 15.

Applying to Return for the Final D.M.A. Recital and Oral Examination

All candidates must apply to return for the final D.M.A. recital and oral examination by January 15 of the third year (sixth term) following the completion of their D.M.A. residential component. As part of this application, candidates must submit dossiers of their professional activities, accomplishments, and credentials. Letters from recognized individuals who are professionally qualified to evaluate the candidate’s work are required. These are requested directly by the School of Music. The names and addresses of at least five individual references, together with a brief description of the professional relationship to the candidate, are to be provided by the candidates. References from current members of the Yale faculty and from alumni who graduated within the past ten years may not be included.

The final application must be completed—including forms, dossier, references, and supporting evidence such as programs, compositions, reviews, articles, publications, recordings, and any other materials that may be pertinent—by March 15 following submission of the application to return. Permission to apply to return after the third year will be granted only under exceptional circumstances. In cases where the initial applications to return are not approved by the D.M.A. committee, candidates may, at the D.M.A. committee’s discretion, reapply one additional time only.

Standards of Review and Evaluation

The D.M.A. committee monitors the progress of each enrolled doctoral student. D.M.A. students will be evaluated on the level of achievement in required doctoral courses, recitals, thesis and lecture presentation, comprehensive written and oral examinations, and overall compliance with program deadlines, attendance policies, and all other requirements. Students whose work does not meet the Yale School of Music’s doctoral program standards may, at the school’s discretion, be subject to dismissal. The School of Music’s leave of absence policy applies to D.M.A. students, both in the residential and dissertation periods.

Recital and Oral Examination

Candidates whose dossiers have been approved by the D.M.A. committee will be invited to return for the final D.M.A. recital and oral examination during the subsequent academic year.

Recital

The performance is to be an appropriate demonstration of the candidate’s professional expertise in the major field. It is expected that candidates will consult with the major professors and the D.M.A. committee chair regarding recital planning and programming. Candidates are responsible for all aspects of the D.M.A. recital, including arrangements for equipment and performers.

Oral Examination

Candidates must pass a comprehensive oral examination. Candidates are expected to demonstrate thorough knowledge in all facets of their musical specialty and in other dimensions of music.

A jury consisting of members of the Yale faculty, possibly augmented with professional musicians from outside the university, judges the performance and participates in the oral examination. If approved, the candidate is then recommended for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts, which is conferred at the close of said academic year.

Course Requirements

Note that candidates who have completed a previous degree at the School of Music may be exempt from Seminar in the Major and/or other departmental requirements.

Orchestral Instruments

Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Chamber Music 8
Yale Philharmonia/New Music New Haven 8
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses* 16
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

*Cellists are also required to enroll in the Yale Cello Ensemble each semester, for a total of 8 credits.

Guitar

Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Chamber Music 8
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 24
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

Piano*

Total 72
Course Credits
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 16
Chamber Music 8
Collaborative Piano: Instrumental 2
Collaborative Piano: Vocal 2
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 12
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

*All piano majors are required to play for at least one instrumental or vocal recital per academic year without pay as part of the departmental major. See Major Field Requirements under Degrees and General Requirements.

Harpsichord

Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Chamber Music 8
Advanced Continuo Realization 4
Performance Practice Before 1750 minimum of 4
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 16
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

*At the beginning of the program, harpsichord students are assessed for skills in continuo realization and may be required to take the introductory Continuo Realization course before progressing to Advanced Continuo Realization.

Organ*

Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Colloquium (ISM students only)† 4
Liturgical Keyboard Skills 4
Liturgical Music Skills 4
Keyboard Harmony for Organists 2
Elements of Choral Technique 4
Secondary Conducting Lessons 2
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 12
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

*At the beginning of the program, organ students are assessed for skills in keyboard harmony, service playing, conducting, and voice and may be required to take classes for further development in these areas.

†School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Orchestral Conducting

Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Philharmonia/New Music New Haven 8
*Analysis electives (from Group A courses) minimum of 16
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 8
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

*At the beginning of the program, orchestral conducting students are assessed for skills in score reading and analysis and may be required to take Introduction to Score Reading and Analysis, Intermediate Score Reading and Analysis, and/or other specific courses that focus on analysis and musicianship.

Choral Conducting

Course Credits
Total 76
Individual Instruction in the Major 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Repertory Chorus 8
Recital Chorus 8
Camerata 4
Other Choruses 4
Secondary Voice Lessons 4
Colloquium (ISM only)* 4
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 4
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

*School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Voice (Opera)

Total 80
Course Credits
Individual Instruction 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Opera Workshop 12
Vocal Repertoire 8
Lyric Diction 8
Acting for Singers 4
Art Song Coaching 4
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 4
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

Voice (Early Music, Oratorio, and Chamber Ensemble)

Course Credits
Total 80
Individual Instruction 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Acting and Movement for Singers 2
Lyric Diction 4 or more
Early Music Coaching 4
Art Song Coaching 4
Performance Practice for Singers 8
Schola Cantorum 8
Vocal Chamber Music 2
Colloquium (ISM students only)* 4
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 4
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

*School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Composition

Course Credits
Total 72
Individual Instruction 16
Seminar in the Major 8
Tonal Analysis elective 4
Nontonal Analysis elective 4
D.M.A. Seminar I 4
D.M.A. Seminar II 8
D.M.A. Colloquium 4
Other electives or required courses 24
D.M.A. Dissertation (6 terms) —

Artist Diploma

The Artist Diploma curriculum is a highly selective program for exceptionally gifted instrumentalists and singers on the cusp of a major international solo career. The course of study for A.D. candidates is flexible and designed for the individual needs of advanced students. All courses in the School of Music and Yale University are open to A.D. candidates with permission of the instructor. Students accepted must be exclusively enrolled in the School of Music.

Requirements

  • Candidates who hold another School of Music degree are expected to complete the A.D. program in one year. External candidates are required to complete two years of study.
  • Internal candidates must complete at least 28 credits; external candidates must complete at least 56 credits. All candidates must complete at least 14 credits per term.
  • Candidates must complete at least one non-performance course each term.
  • Candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, equivalent to an average grade of B. Candidates whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must earn a grade of B or better each term in both Individual Instruction in the Major and Seminar in the Major. Students who receive a grade lower than a B in either course will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must present public juried recitals during each year of residence. Other performance requirements include one major ensemble performance.
  • Candidates may apply for up to four weeks per year away from campus for professional engagements. Funding will be provided for one international performance presented by a partner institution or presenter.
  • Candidates participate in School of Music ensembles as assigned, including chamber music, Yale Philharmonia, New Music New Haven, and Yale Opera.
  • All proficiencies and required courses must be completed satisfactorily before the Artist Diploma can be conferred.
  • Residence in Greater New Haven is required.

Course Requirements

Orchestral Instruments
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 28 56
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major — 8
Chamber Music 4 8
Yale Philharmonia/New Music New Haven 4 8
Electives or required courses* 12 16

*Cellists are also required to enroll in the Yale Cello Ensemble each term, for a total of 4 credits for internal candidates and 8 credits for external candidates.

Guitar
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 28 56
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Chamber Music 4 8
Electives or required courses 12 24
Piano*
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 28 58
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major — 16
Chamber Music 4 8
Collaborative Piano: Instrumental — 2
Collaborative Piano: Vocal — 2
Electives or required courses 16 14

*All piano majors are required to play for at least one instrumental or vocal recital per academic year without pay as part of the departmental major. See Major Field Requirements under Degrees and General Requirements.

Organ*
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 28 56
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Colloquium (ISM students only)† 2 4
Liturgical Keyboard Skills — 4
Liturgical Music Skills — 4
Keyboard Harmony for Organists — 2
Elements of Choral Technique — 4
Secondary Conducting Lessons — 2
Electives or required courses* 14 12

*At the beginning of the program, organ students are assessed for skills in keyboard harmony, service playing, conducting, and voice and may be required to take classes for further development in these areas.

†School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Voice (Opera)
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 30 74
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Opera Workshop 6 12
Vocal Repertoire — 8
Lyric Diction — 8
Acting and Movement for Singers 2 4
Art Song Coaching 2 4
Electives or required courses 8 14
Voice (Early Music, Oratorio, etc.)
Course credits internal candidates credits external candidates
Total 30 74
Individual Instruction 8 16
Seminar in the Major 4 8
Acting and Movement for Singers — 2
Lyric Diction — 4 or more
Early Music Coaching — 4
Art Song Coaching 2 4
Performance Practice for Singers — 8
Schola Cantorum 4 8
Vocal Chamber Music 2 2
Colloquium (ISM students only)* 2 4
Electives or required courses 8 14

*School of Music students replace the ISM Colloquium with an elective.

Certificate in Performance

The Certificate in Performance is designed for a few excellent instrumentalists and singers who have not completed a bachelor’s degree. Students enroll full-time in a program of performance and academic studies and participate in Yale Philharmonia, chamber music, New Music New Haven, or other ensembles as appropriate.

It is hoped that, after receiving the Certificate in Performance, a student will complete a baccalaureate degree at Yale or elsewhere. On completion of a bachelor’s degree—and providing that performance, course, examination, and proficiency requirements for the M.M. degree were met during the Certificate studies—the student may petition the registrar to convert the Certificate to a Master of Music degree. The 72 credits in performance and academic studies required for the Master of Music degree may not be applied toward completion of an undergraduate degree. Performance credits required for the certificate may not be used toward completion of the undergraduate degree. The fee for conversion of the Certificate in Performance to a Master of Music degree is $150, payable to Yale University.

Requirements

  • Three years of residency are required.
  • Candidates must complete at least 96 credits. The recommended normal load is 16 credits per term; all candidates must complete at least 14 credits per term.
  • Candidates must complete at least one non-performance course each term.
  • Candidates must complete at least one non-performance course from each of distribution groups A, B, and C.
  • Candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, equivalent to an average grade of B. Candidates whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must earn a grade of B or better each term in both Individual Instruction in the Major and Seminar in the Major. Candidates who receive a grade lower than a B in either course will be placed on academic warning.
  • Candidates must present a public juried degree recital in the final year of study; certain departments require a recital during each year in residence.
  • All proficiencies and required courses must be completed satisfactorily before the Certificate in Performance can be conferred.
  • Candidates who wish to retain the option to convert to an M.M. degree upon completion of a bachelor’s degree must complete all requirements for the M.M/ degree, including all proficiencies and required coursework, while in residence.
  • Residence in Greater New Haven is required.

Course Requirements

Orchestral Instruments
Course Credits
Total 96
Individual Instruction in the Major 24
Seminar in the Major 12
Chamber Music 12
Yale Philharmonia/New Music New Haven 12
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
*Other electives or required courses 26

*Cellists are also required to enroll in the Yale Cello Ensemble each term, for a total of 12 credits.

Guitar
Course Credits
Total 96
Individual Instruction in the Major 24
Seminar in the Major 12
Chamber Music 12
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 38
Piano*
Course Credits
Total 96
Individual Instruction in the Major 24
Seminar in the Major 24
Chamber Music 12
Collaborative Piano: Instrumental 2
Collaborative Piano: Vocal 2
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 22

*All piano majors are required to play for at least one instrumental or vocal recital per academic year without pay as part of the departmental major. See Major Field Requirements under Degrees and General Requirements.

Voice (Opera)
Course Credits
Total 96
Individual Instruction 24
Seminar in the Major 12
Opera Workshop 18
Vocal Repertoire 8
Lyric Diction 8
Acting for Singers 6
Art Song Coaching 6
Group A elective minimum of 4
Group B elective minimum of 4
Group C elective minimum of 2
Other electives or required courses 4

B.A./M.M. Program

The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Music program is designed for instrumentalists with outstanding abilities in performance who are also interested in a liberal arts education. Admission to the B.A./M.M. program is through acceptance into Yale College as well as a separate, successful audition through the School of Music, either before matriculation into Yale College or during the third year of the B.A. program.

  • B.A./M.M. students usually complete requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in their first four years and for the Master of Music degree after one year of the Master of Music program in the School of Music (year five).
  • By the end of the fifth year, all students participating in the B.A./M.M. program must have met the School of Music’s standard in Analysis and Musicianship and in Music History either through testing or through course work; they must also have completed the School of Music’s non-performance course distribution requirement for M.M. students. To ensure this, candidates admitted to the B.A./M.M. program are required to sit for placement examinations in the School of Music at the beginning of their senior year (year four); they must also meet with the deputy dean at the beginning of each term in the program for advising regarding performance activities and academic course work.

Students accepted to the B.A./M.M. program before matriculation into Yale College must:

  • enroll in Individual Instruction in their instrument during every term in the program (six terms of MUSI 4245 followed by four terms of MUS 540),
  • during their first four years, complete two terms each of MUS 543, Chamber Music; MUS 544, Seminar in the Major; and, where applicable, MUS 542, Yale Philharmonia (guitarists and keyboard players should consult with their major teacher about requisites beyond lessons and Seminar in the Major), and
  • during their first four years, complete at least four academic music courses at the intermediate or advanced level in the Department of Music or, with permission, equivalent courses at the School of Music. Given the School of Music’s focus on notated music in the Western European tradition, optimal courses in the Department of Music include MUSI 2110, MUSI 2111, MUSI 3350, MUSI 3351, MUSI 3352, MUSI 3353, and intermediate or advanced courses in Groups I and III.

Students accepted to the B.A./M.M. program during the third year of the B.A. must:

  • enroll in Individual Instruction in their instrument during every term in the program (four terms of MUS 540),
  • during their fourth year, complete two terms each of MUS 543, Chamber Music, and MUS 544, Seminar in the Major,
  • where applicable, complete two terms of MUS 542, Yale Philharmonia, during their fourth year, or play in the Yale Symphony Orchestra throughout both terms of their fourth year (guitarists and keyboard players should consult with their major teacher about requisites in the senior year beyond lessons and Seminar in the Major), and,
  • by the end of their fourth year, complete at least four academic music courses at the intermediate or advanced level in the Department of Music or, with permission, equivalent courses at the School of Music. Given the School of Music’s focus on notated music in the Western European tradition, optimal courses in the Department of Music include MUSI 2110, MUSI 2111, MUSI 3350, MUSI 3351, MUSI 3352, MUSI 3353, and intermediate or advanced courses in Groups I and III.