The Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy – Voice degree curriculum prepares students for academic and non-academic (alt-ac) careers in a world where cross-training is a necessity. Those interested in pursuing higher education careers will be prepared to teach, research and lead academic programs. Those interested in alt-ac careers will have the skills necessary to run highly successful private studios, non-profit organizations and/or join a voice care team.
D.M.A. in Pedagogy – Voice
Admission Requirements
1. Complete the Graduate Application
2. Application Requirements: Submit the following using the Application Portal by January 15, 2025.
- Unofficial transcripts from all baccalaureate and master’s degree studies, documenting successful (or pending successful) degree completions and a minimum master’s GPA of 3.25. (All post-secondary institutions where a degree or relevant credit has been earned.)
- Applicants can choose to submit unofficial transcripts for initial review. If admitted, the applicant must submit an official transcript for each unofficial transcript upload. See our full policy for more details.
- Upload one copy of the scanned unofficial transcript from each institution attended.
- Admitted applicants must provide official transcripts from each institution from which they previously supplied unofficial transcripts.
- Transcripts from non-U.S. institutions must also be submitted for a course-by-course academic credential evaluation to obtain U.S. equivalency information regarding courses, grades and GPA.
- Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
- Essay of 500–700 words addressing your interest in the program and professional goals
- Scholarly writing sample that includes citations and a bibliography. All academic style formats (MLA, Chicago, etc.) are accepted.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the applicant’s strengths in the desired area of study.
3. Prescreening Requirements: Firm deadline for prescreening materials submission is January 15, 2025.
- Video recordings (mp4 or wmv) of two contrasting selections from the genre(s) that best represents the applicant’s strengths. This may include music from one genre (i.e. singer-songwriter) or a mix of genres (i.e. classical and musical theatre). Recordings must be video and must show the applicant performing. Audio-only recordings will not be accepted.
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Based on successful completion of the prescreening, the applicant will be invited to register for an audition. An audition will not be scheduled until the faculty have received and approved the applicant’s writing sample and personal essay.
Applicants who pass the recorded prescreening will be invited to register for an audition. You will not be able to register for an audition before successfully completing your prescreening.
4. Audition & Interview Requirements: Firm deadline to register for a Graduate Audition is February 1, 2025.
- Invited applicants should prepare 20 minutes of music from the genre(s) that best represents the applicant’s strengths. This may include music from one genre (i.e. singer songwriter) or a mix of genres (i.e. classical and musical theatre). Selections should include a wide variety of tempi, textures and qualities that display artistry of the highest level for each genre presented. All students will be exposed to multiple genres, including classical, during their degree coursework.
- Before the audition, applicants are required to submit a program of the works they will perform. The committee may then choose to hear complete works or ask for specific sections.
- Memorization is required.
- Invited singers auditioning on campus or during a virtual audition day must audition with live accompaniment for Classical selections and backing tracks for CCM-style selections and are encouraged to provide their own accompanist. Applicants will be provided an accompanist for their Classical selections. Applicants must bring their backing tracks on an electronic device. Amplification equipment will be provided.
- The audition day will also include an interview.
D.M.A. in Pedagogy – Voice
Register For Your Audition
Applicants who pass the recorded prescreening will be invited to register for an audition. You will not be able to register for an audition before successfully completing your prescreening.
Audition dates are limited and may fill and close well in advance of the audition date. You will register for your audition through the Shenandoah Application Portal. All audition and interview confirmation materials will be accessible in the Application Portal and sent to the applicant via the email listed on the application. The deadline to register for a Graduate Audition is February 1, 2025.
- Friday, February 7, 2025 – Shenandoah Main Campus, Winchester, VA
- Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Virtual Only
For the virtual audition, you will need to submit recorded audition videos following your program guidelines and attend a live virtual interview. - Monday, February 17, 2025 – Shenandoah Main Campus, Winchester, VA
Admission decisions are not made until all application materials are received and the audition has been completed.