DMA Applicant Checklist
Important things to know
- The TCU Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) applications for Fall 2027 open on Sep. 1, 2026.
- Applicants must have a master’s degree (minimum 30 credit hours) in music or music education from an accredited institution and a graduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Submit all application materials by Dec. 1, 2026, for priority scholarship and assistantship consideration.
- Review of applications will begin Dec. 1, 2026; the final application deadline is Feb. 1, 2027.
- GRE not required for admission.
Applicant Checklist
As part of your School of Music application, the following items are required:
- References: Provide the names and emails of three individuals qualified to assess your musical achievement, teaching/professional experience and potential for success. Letters will be requested electronically via Acceptd.
- Writing Sample: Upload a substantial, graduate-level writing sample in English on a historical and/or analytical musical topic demonstrating your ability to pursue doctoral level academic study of music (e.g. a term paper or research paper from a graduate class or seminar or a published article).
- CV: Upload a CV listing concert performances, compositions, publications and other musical accomplishments.
- Transcripts: Submit unofficial transcripts of all colleges attended. An English translation
of all international transcripts is required. DO NOT mail official transcript at this
time. The School of Music does not require official transcripts unless you are admitted
or are requesting an exemption to International English Proficiency Scores
- Transcripts/Graduation Certificates may be sent in an electronic format using a service such as National Student Clearinghouse.
- Preferred method for all official transcripts is electronic sent via an official electronic transcript service from each issuing institution directly to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu.
- International Applicants: Submit a TOEFL or English proficiency exam score. International
applicants must meet TCU's English proficiency requirement. You can satisfy the requirement
in any one of the following ways:
- Earn a TOEFL score of 5.5 or higher.
- Earn an IELTS score of 7 or higher.
- Earn a Duolingo English Test score of 120 or higher.
- Scores must be sent directly to TCU (school code: 6820).
- Academic testing to be adjudicated through audition/interview process.
A prescreening video is required for all applicants. Learn more about the pre-screening video and live audition requirements for your academic division.
Qualifying applicants will be invited for a live audition and/or interview in the principal applied music area before a faculty committee.
In-Person Audition Dates:
- Conducting: Scheduled individually with ensemble directors.
- All Other Areas:
- January 30
- February 6
- February 20
All entering graduate students must provide one official final transcript from each institution attended since high school. This includes all undergraduate and graduate work from all colleges and universities attended, not just the most recent degree earned.
If you have additional questions, contact:
