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Superior Training, Extensive Opportunities

With a Doctor of Arts in Music Performance, you’ll strive for the highest levels of technical proficiency and artistic expression. UNC's School of Music, with its stellar national and international reputation, offers this terminal degree to prepare you to perform as a professional musician, and/or to gain a college-level faculty appointment. 

UNC’s D.A. in Music Performance stands out for its personalized approach. You’ll work closely with faculty to design a unique plan of study tailored to your artistic strengths, academic interests and career objectives. Faculty in the School of Music combine professional success with academic expertise. They’ll offer one-on-one guidance and support, encouraging you to get the most out of your talent. You’ll graduate with a marketable credential and the preparation you need for a successful performing career.

Degree Details

Credits Required:

66-71

Location/Delivery:

Greeley

Cost Estimator

Degree Option

D.A. in Music Performance

UNC offers the D.A. in Musical Performance with emphases in flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, harp, keyboard, voice and guitar. The program requires 67 to 71 credits, culminating in a dissertation and two public recitals. You’ll also complete coursework in music pedagogy and get hands-on training in college-level teaching.

Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

D.A. Program Details

Your Future in Musical Performance

Graduates from UNC’s doctoral program in Musical Performance have achieved high levels of professional and artistic success. Our emphasis on music pedagogy provides you with outstanding credentials for the academic job market. UNC graduates hold positions at music schools around the country. If you aspire to a performing career, you’ll get training and experience that helps you stand out in this highly competitive field.

Consider UNC’s D.A. in Music Performance if you want to:

  • Attain the highest levels of technical and artistic proficiency
  • Excel as both a performer and an educator
  • Pursue a career as university faculty
  • Perform as a professional musician

You’ll learn:

  • Pedagogy for college-level teaching
  • Advanced performance techniques
  • Music theory, history and analysis
  • Research and scholarship

Sample courses:

  • Introduction to Doctoral Research
  • Individual Studies in Effective Teaching
  • Analytical Studies in Music
  • Individual Performance

 Art and Design students prepare their gallery displays on Friday night in the Two Rivers Lounge. Photo by Woody Myers
Garibaldi Saxophone Quartet performs. Photo by Barry LaPoint
 Students pass time until their performance by playing cards. Photo by Woody Myers
 Theatre student Gabby Shaikh finishes stage makeup for fellow student and emcee Corbin George. Photo by Woody Myers
 Professor Socrates Garcia conducts his Latin Jazz Orchestra. Photo by Woody Myers
Professor of Viola Christopher Luther performs a solo with the string section.  Photo by Woody Myers
Students Julian Cary and Jafet Bucaram are featured soloists with Vocal Lab and Percussion Ensemble. Photo by Woody Myers
Union Colony Civic Center technical staff keep the show running offstage. Photo by Woody Myers
Musical Theatre students kick their knees up for a performance of “Step In Time” from Mary Poppins. Photo by Barry LaPoint
Band and orchestra students await their call to stage for the grand finale. Photo by Woody Myers
Musical Theatre students Nicholas King and Gabby Shaikh perform “The Last Night of the World” from Miss Saigon. Photo by Barry LaPoint

UNC Annual Gala: Top Musicians Take Center Stage

There’s no event in Colorado quite like the Annual Gala. Now heading into its 35th year, this stellar event provides an exceptional showcase for the School of Music’s most accomplished performers.  It’s a prime opportunity to get noticed by movers and shakers of the Colorado arts community, and the proceeds helping to fund scholarships for UNC arts students. Browse the photos to get a taste of the 2016 Annual Gala, on stage and behind the scenes.

Read more about the Gala

Beyond the Classroom

UNC musicians have performed across the United States and around the world. You’ll have opportunities to perform on campus with leading guest artists, and to travel to high-profile festivals, performance tours and special events. Our School of Music supports ensembles in every genre, providing you with extensive opportunities to showcase your talent, broaden your repertoire, and hone your performance skills.

Where can your degree take you?

Musical performer career

Career as a musical performer

Faculty appointment

Faculty appointment at a college-level school of music or conservatory

Leadership positions

Leadership of a music-related nonprofit or community arts organization

Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.

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Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on costs and funding and how to apply.

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