DMA Application Requirements & Auditions
General Admission Requirements
Applicants for the DMA must have an earned master’s degree by August 2026 for Fall 2026 admission with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Students without a master’s degree may apply to the master’s program at Bowling Green State University. When the degree is completed, they may apply to the doctoral program. Students must also meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College and the College of Musical Arts.
BGSU Graduate College Application Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree program are asked to complete or send the following materials as required by the BGSU Graduate College. All application materials must be received by January 1, 2026 for Fall Semester 2026 admission.
- BGSU Graduate College Application for Admissions
- Official Transcript
Scanned copies of official transcripts from all institutions attended. Upon admission, final official transcripts from each degree granting institution must be submitted.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for International Student Applications. The BGSU Institution Code is 1069.
- Application Fee
A one-time, non-refundable application fee of $45 (domestic applicants) or $75 (international applicants).
For complete information on applying to the BGSU Graduate College go to BGSU Graduate Admissions.
DMA Application Requirements
DMA application materials must be received by January 1, 2026 for Fall Semester 2026 admission. You do not need all of your application materials uploaded to submit your application. (After submitting, you can then go back and upload any remaining application materials.) However, please make sure your application is completely filled out and submitted as soon as possible.
Following the review of all application materials required by both the Graduate College and the College of Musical Arts, qualified applicants will be invited to audition February 23–February 25, 2026. Every effort will be made to notify applicants by February 1.
The following materials can be uploaded online:
Artistic materials (select appropriate specialization to see requirements)
Three scores of recent compositions, one of which is for large ensemble or resources, with performance uploaded online through your Graduate College application.
A video recording representing music of the 20th/21st centuries and other periods such as Romantic or Classical. The tape must include portions of rehearsals and live performances. Including commissioned works or premieres is encouraged. A variety of ensembles is acceptable, but the tape must include some conducting work with the ensemble appropriate to the specific area of specialization, i.e., orchestra, wind ensemble/band, chorus. The video must be taped from the back of the ensemble, so that the conductor’s face is visible. Video's may be uploaded online through your Graduate College application.
A 45–60 minute video recording highlighting the candidate’s proficiency in contemporary music performance. Approximately 50–60 percent of the recording must be 20th-/21st-century literature with the remaining works from other historic periods; a concerto or concert aria with ensemble accompaniment may be included. Single movements are acceptable. Edited or commercial recordings are permitted (identify the recording process); include at least one live performance. Including commissioned works or premieres is encouraged. Video's may be uploaded online through your Graduate College application.
Curriculum vitae
Include degrees earned, work experience, honors and awards, names of teachers and any other relevant information.
Repertoire list (select appropriate specialization to see requirements)
A list of all works composed with instrumentation and date of composition.
A list of works performed, rehearsed and studied.
A list of works performed, studied, commissioned and premiered.
Documentation of Composition or Performance Activity
Submit a document, separate from the curriculum vitae, listing composition and/or performance activity within the past five years. Please give date and place of performance and provide a PDF of relevant programs, if available. Do not submit programs only.
Sample research paper
Letters of Recommendation
You will provide names and contact information for three references in the Secondary Application. These individuals will be sent an email link to upload the recommendation letter online.
DMA Auditions & Interviews
Auditions for the DMA in Contemporary Music will take place February 23–February 25, 2026
Upon the review of application materials (due January 1, 2026), qualified applicants will be scheduled for an audition, at which time the following will take place:
- Entrance Audition
Composition: Present a 15-minute analysis of one of the works in submitted portfolio for members of the doctoral audition committee.
Performance (conducting): Present an audition in repertoire appropriate to the degree program emphasis (choral, orchestral, band/wind ensemble). The repertoire may include works from a variety of historical periods including contemporary.
Performance (instrumental or vocal): Prepare 60 minutes of music from which the audition committee will choose a 30-minute audition program. Selections must showcase music of the 20th/21st century, but should include at least two works from other historical periods if appropriate to the instrument’s repertoire.
- Entrance Examinations (Composition and Conducting Applicants Only):
Examinations in aural skills, sightsinging and sightreading that will assess readiness for advanced work in composition or conducting.
- Entrance Interview
Interview with the doctoral audition committee to discuss specific qualifications, interests and long-term goals.
Assistantship offers will be made by phone and in writing by the Director of Graduate Studies as soon as possible after the audition. Acceptance into the DMA degree program is selective and competitive. See DMA Assistantship Information for more details.
Updated: 08/14/2025 02:40PM