REVA AND SID DEWBERRY FAMILY SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Doctor of Musical Arts, multiple concentrations
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree provides the highest level post-baccalaureate professional musical training to students in composition, conducting, and performance and promotes advanced artistic achievement within the context of a research university. While these concentrations share some of the required coursework, each is also distinct in course requirements. Professional musicians earn the DMA to enhance and extend their knowledge and practice within their area of specialization. The DMA inspires artistic and academic excellence as an intrinsic element of a specialized education within an atmosphere of creativity, discipline, life-long learning, well-being, and service across the university, commonwealth, nation, and world.
Concentrations
Composition
Professional musicians earn the DMA in Composition to enhance and extend their knowledge and practice within their area of specialization. In addition, all students in composition receive training in theory pedagogy. Students present two recitals, a lecture recital, and complete a substantial dissertation that makes an original contribution to research in music.
Conducting
The Conducting program will not be accepting applications for the DMA Wind Conducting field of study for the Fall 2026 semester. Please contact the Dewberry School of Music if you have any questions.
Professional musicians earn the DMA in Conducting to enhance and extend their knowledge and practice within their area of specialization. In addition, all students in conducting receive training in theory or conducting pedagogy. Students present two recitals, a lecture recital, and complete a substantial dissertation that makes an original contribution to research in music.
Performance
Professional musicians earn the DMA in Performance (instrumental or vocal) to enhance and extend their knowledge and practice within their area of specialization. In addition, all students in performance receive training in pedagogy. Students present two recitals, a lecture recital, and complete a substantial dissertation that makes an original contribution to research in music.
Dr. Paul Bratcher graduated from George Mason's Dewberry School of Music in the Fall of 2025 with a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance with a Jazz Emphasis. He is currently the Director of Jazz at Georgetown University.
Admission to this program is a multi-step process:
1) review the program's admissions requirements, and
2) apply to George Mason University.
3) If your program requires a portfolio or pre-screening materials, you will be provided a link to SlideRoom during the admissions process.