Doctor of Musical Arts in Contemporary Music Performance
UB Professor and pianist Eric Huebner performs as part of the New York Philharmonic’s “Sound On” concert at the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center. 📸 Photo Credit: Hiroyuki Ito, The New York Times
Bringing new music to life
If you’re drawn to the edge of what’s possible in music, this program is built for you. The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Contemporary Music Performance is for advanced performers who want to explore new sounds, take risks and lead conversations in modern music. You won’t just play the notes—you’ll shape where music is going.
Jump to:
- Master the Repertoire: Build command over a wide range of contemporary solo and ensemble works, expanding both your technical and expressive skills.
- Collaborative Creativity: Work directly with guest composers, faculty, and students from UB’s renowned PhD in Composition program.
- Integrated Learning: Study performance, theory, and musicology as one connected practice, deepening both artistry and scholarship.
- Teaching Experience: Gain practical training in studio and classroom settings that prepares you for a career in education as well as performance.
Cutting-Edge Tools: Explore sound processing, recording and audio spatialization technologies—including collaborations with the Experimental Studio in Freiburg, Germany.
Contemporary performance at UB is about being bold, intentional and deeply informed. As a DMA student, you will:
- Take part in seminars, private lessons and ensemble performances
- Collaborate regularly with UB’s Contemporary Ensemble and its resident professional ensemble, the Slee Sinfonietta.
- Present a dissertation that bridges performance and academic insight
Key features
Prior to the advancement to degree candidacy, students will:
- Perform a minimum of two full recital programs containing significant solo and ensemble works composed since 1950
- Pass a qualifying examination focused on their creative work as a performer
Dissertation Components: The dissertation requirement consists of a written thesis and lecture recital focused on a special topic of interest to the student and must be approved by the student’s doctoral committee and graduate advisor. The dissertation requirement seeks to connect aspects of contemporary music performance practice with original research and analysis.
Since the 1960s, UB has been a destination for experimental composers and forward-thinking performers. That legacy lives on today.
The Center for 21st Century Music anchors our community, bringing together students, faculty and visiting artists for groundbreaking collaborations. The internationally recognized June in Buffalo festival happens right here on campus—and as a DMA student, you’ll be part of it.
Graduates of this program are prepared to:
- Perform as soloists, chamber musicians or ensemble leaders
- Teach at colleges, universities and conservatories
- Lead new music initiatives and community projects
- Write, speak and publish about their creative work
- Collaborate with artists across genres, media and disciplines
Whether you're building a career in performance, education or interdisciplinary creation, you’ll leave UB with the tools to lead and innovate.
UB’s DMA in Contemporary Music Performance isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking it with thought, discipline and creativity. Whether you're finishing a master’s or already performing professionally, this program helps you grow as a leader in contemporary music.
For more information, please reach out to us!
