DMA/MMA

Since October 2002 the MMA/DMA degree has been jointly run by the City University and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with the final degree award made by City University. This is the first collaboration of its kind between a top-rated University Music Department and an internationally reknowned Conservatoire.

The MMA/DMA programme aims to combine performance at a professional level with research on an aspect of performance. It is intended for performers who have a professional career underway and who are performing regularly in public, or for performers who are advanced practitioners (tutors and music college professors, for example).

The research should relate to some aspect of performance, to scholarly work which will enhance and deepen knowledge and understanding of the field. Submission for the degree comprises an integrated combination of thesis and performance: recital content should relate to furthering the aims of the research. Recent research has included work on virtuoso violinists' interpretations preserved in early recordings, and on the concepts of pianistic interpretation and pedagogy.

Initially students are registered for the MMA degree. Transfer to the DMA status occurs once good progress has been made on the initial stages of the research; this can take place at the end of the first year of full-time study, or later. The work completed at the time of transfer contributes to form the basis of the DMA.

The DMA will normally be completed after three years of full-time research (five years part-time), followed by a one-year period of 'writing-up' during which the final preparation of the thesis takes place. Students intending to complete the MMA only, will normally carry out two years of full-time research (or three years part-time), plus the one-year period of 'writing-up'.

Application Forms

How to apply

Supervision and Assessment

Students are allocated two supervisors; the principal supervisor will normally be a member of staff in the Music Department at City, who acts as a co-ordinator of the research. In addition a professor from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama directs the practical performance aspects of study. The GSMD supervisor will provide Principal Study teaching during each academic year in a pattern to be decided in consultation with the principal (City) supervisor in light of the academic and recital requirements. The University runs an induction programme, covering training in research methods, computer and library facilities, and discussion on research students' needs.

The role of the principal supervisor is to:

Design a detailed research plan in consultation with the student and the Guildhall School supervisor
Ensure that the student acquires essential skills
Enable access to necessary resources
Assist the student in developing the critical skills of a researcher
Encourage and support initiative and motivation
Provide regular feedback on the quality of work

The Guildhall School supervisor provides regular feedback on progress at the consultations on instrumental study both to the student and to the principal supervisor.

During each year of study a full-time MMA/DMA performer will be required to present a public recital, normally at the Guildhall School. This will typically be the length of a lunchtime concert, although other formats and arrangements can be considered. Each student will also present a seminar (contributing to the Department's Research Seminar Series) presenting work in progress on the written thesis component.

While part-timers must also contribute one recital and a seminar in each year of study the scope and extent of these will be scaled appropriately. A folio of completed work will be submitted towards the end of each year of study. Along with reports on the recital and seminar this forms the basis of the annual progress report to Research Degrees Committee of the University.

DMA Final Submission

The final recital for the MMA or DMA will normally be programmed as part of the Guildhall School's recital programme (although recitals outside the School will be considered if appropriate).

This final recital will usually take place towards the conclusion of the period of study. Recital content should be congruent with the aims of the research.

The thesis (which may include video material, recorded audio material, edited material, music transcriptions, compositions, computer/multi-media or other modes of presentation) to be approved by the supervisors shall be submitted following the conclusion of the period of study.

The guide length for the thesis is 20-30,000 words for the MMA and 30-60,000 words for the DMA.

Each student attends a viva voce examination upon completion of all requirements for the chosen degree. There are normally two examiners, one specialist external examiner and an internal examiner.