The doctor of arts (DA) degree with a major in music is designed to prepare superior musicians for careers that combine teaching, performance, and scholarship.
The broadly designed programs integrate a primary area of study selected from among the traditional disciplines of music with an area of secondary emphasis. The secondary may be done in the School of Music or in a related field on campus.
The degree requirements include a comprehensive written and oral exam, both an internship and externship, teaching and pedagogy seminars, and a dissertation. The dissertation offers an original contribution that might be an analytical study, a significant annotated catalog, a pedagogical or performance-practice project, or it might include a composition or recording, as appropriate.
Primary Areas of Study
- performance
- piano chamber music/accompanying
- conducting
- music education
- theory composition
Secondary Areas of Study
- performance
- piano chamber music/accompanying
- conducting
- music education
- music history and musicology
- music theory and composition
- entrepreneurial music
- an approved field of study outside of the School of Music
More Information
For more information, fill out our request form, visit the course catalog, or download the graduate student handbook.
Request Information View Catalog Download Handbook (PDF)
Paying for Your Education
An assistantship is an excellent opportunity to work closely with faculty, gain hands-on experience, and it provides a waiver of most of your tuition costs and a stipend. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
You will need to be admitted by both the Ball State Graduate School and the School of Music.
The School of Music is home to two cutting-edge recital halls, nearly 10,000 square feet of dedicated recording studio space, and a plethora of practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, classrooms, and teaching studios. Take a closer look.