Our graduate programs let you hone your musical talents by working with world-class faculty who will give you the skills and confidence you need to build a successful career in performance, instruction or research.

Winds or Brass

The brass and woodwind faculty at USC provide excellent training and the necessary expertise for a successful career in music.

Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium or Tuba

Major Area a) Applied studies (6 credits of MUSC 811) b) Area solo literature (2 credits of MUSC 740) c) Area pedagogy (2 credits of MUSC 801) d) Dissertation requirement (12 credits, including 6 credits of recital preparation (MUSC 891) 4 recitals (from MUSC 892, 894, 895, 896), and document (2 credits of MUSC 897)) e) Chamber music (2 credits of MUSC 735)	24 credits
Advanced Research (MUSC 747)	2 credits
Cognate Studies (minimum of two 700-level music history courses [one MUSC 744] topics in Music History course must be completed, at least three 700-level music theory courses, and a maximum of four credits of ensemble and chamber music [MUSC 734 and 735]).	22 credits

Foreign language requirement: DMA students must either demonstrate reading proficiency in French, German, or Italian or complete an advisor-approved research course before the Comprehensive Examination can be scheduled.

Ensemble requirement: Minimum of two semesters in an appropriate instrumental ensemble (MUSC 734)

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Classical Guitar

Our DMA program in classical guitar performance has attracted students from across the U.S. and Europe. Candidates are expected to show promise as concert artists and artist/teachers.

Guitar

Major Area a) Applied guitar (6 credits of MUSC 811N) b) Guitar literature (2 credits of MUSC 740N) c) Guitar pedagogy (2 credits of MUSC 801) d) Dissertation requirement (12 credits, including 6 credits of recital preparation (MUSC 891) 4 recitals (from MUSC 892, 894, 895, 896), and document (2 credits of MUSC 897))	22 credits
Advanced Research (MUSC 747)	2 credits
Cognate Studies (minimum of two 700-level music history courses [one MUSC 744 Topics in Music History course must be completed], at least two 700-level music theory courses, and maximum four credits of ensemble and chamber music [MUSC 734 and 735])	24 credits

Foreign language requirement: DMA students must either demonstrate reading proficiency in French, German, or Italian or complete an advisor-approved research course before the Comprehensive Examination can be scheduled.

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Organ

The keyboard studies program at USC provides varied, meaningful and challenging opportunities for our students to learn about the worlds of performance, teaching and research.

Organ

Major Area a) Applied organ (6 credits of MUSC 811O) b) Organ literature (2-4 credits of MUSC 740O) c) Organ pedagogy (2 credits of MUSC 801) d) Dissertation requirement (12 credits, including 6 credits of recital preparation (MUSC 891) 4 recitals (from MUSC 892, 894, 895, 896), and document (2 credits of MUSC 897))	22-24 credits
Advanced Research (MUSC 747)	2 credits
Cognate Studies (minimum of two 700-level music history courses [one MUSC 744 Topics in Music History course must be completed], at least two 700-level music theory courses, and maximum four credits of ensemble and chamber music [MUSC 734 and 735])	22-24 credits

Foreign language requirement: DMA students must either demonstrate reading proficiency in French, German, or Italian or complete an advisor-approved research course before the Comprehensive Examination can be scheduled.

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Piano

The keyboard studies program at USC provides varied, meaningful and challenging opportunities for our students to learn about the worlds of performance, teaching and research.

Piano

Major Area a) Applied piano (6 credits of MUSC 811P) b) Piano literature (2-4 credits of MUSC 740P and/or MUSC 775) c) piano pedagogy (2-4 credits of MUSC 801 and/or MUSC 773-776) d) Dissertation requirement (12 credits, including 6 credits of recital preparation (MUSC 891) 4 recitals (from MUSC 892, 894, 895, 896), and document (2 credits of MUSC 897)) e) Chamber music (1 credit of MUSC 735)	23-26 credits
Advanced Research (MUSC 747)	2 credits
Cognate Studies (minimum of two 700-level music history courses [one MUSC 744 Topics in Music History course must be completed], at least two 700-level music theory courses, and maximum four credits of ensemble and chamber music [MUSC 734 and 735])	20-23 credits

Foreign language requirement: DMA students must either demonstrate reading proficiency in French, German, or Italian or complete an advisor-approved research course before the Comprehensive Examination can be scheduled.

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Percussion

USC’s percussion department guarantees that you will get the performance experience you need to advance your skill in a variety of instruments.

Percussion

Major Area a) Applied percussion (6 credits of MUSC 811K) b) Percussion literature (2 credits of MUSC 740K) c) Percussion pedagogy (2 credits of MUSC 801) d) Dissertation requirement (12 credits, including 6 credits of recital preparation (MUSC 891) 4 recitals (from MUSC 892, 894, 895, 896), and document (2 credits of MUSC 897)) e) Chamber music (2 credits MUSC 735)	24 credits
Advanced Research (MUSC 747)	2 credits
Cognate Studies (minimum of two 700-level music history courses [one MUSC 744 Topics in Music History course must be completed], at least two 700-level music theory courses, and maximum four credits of ensemble and chamber music [MUSC 734 and 735])	22 credits

Foreign language requirement: DMA students must either demonstrate reading proficiency in French, German, or Italian or complete an advisor-approved research course before the Comprehensive Examination can be scheduled.

Ensemble requirement: Minimum of two semesters in an appropriate instrumental ensemble (MUSC 734)

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Strings

Experienced artists and teachers who have performed throughout the world provide instruction on all stringed instruments. The university also offers a wide range of performance opportunities and a variety of venues from lecture halls to world-class music halls.

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Major Area a) Applied studies (6 credits of MUSC 811) b) Area solo literature (2-3 credits of MUSC 740) c) Area pedagogy (2 credits of MUSC 801) d) Dissertation requirement (12 credits, including 6 credits of recital preparation (MUSC 891) 4 recitals (from MUSC 892, 894, 895, 896), and document (2 credits of MUSC 897)) e) Chamber music (2 credits of MUSC 735)	24-25 credits
Advanced Research (MUSC 747)	2 credits
Cognate Studies (minimum of two 700-level music history courses [one MUSC 744 Topics in Music History course must be completed], at least two 700-level music theory courses, and maximum four credits of ensemble and chamber music [MUSC 734 and 735])	21-22 credits

Foreign language requirement: DMA students must either demonstrate reading proficiency in French, German, or Italian or complete an advisor-approved research course before the Comprehensive Examination can be scheduled.

Ensemble requirement: Minimum of two semesters in an appropriate instrumental ensemble (MUSC 734)

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Voice

Graduate students in voice focus on developing excellent vocal technique, skill in interpreting repertoire, refined diction in English and foreign languages, and solo artistry.

Voice

Major Area a) Applied studies (6 credits of MUSC 811V) b) Vocal literature (4 credits of MUSC 740V) c) Vocal pedagogy (2 credits of MUSC 801) d) Dissertation requirement (12 credits, including 6 credits of recital preparation (MUSC 891) 4 recitals (from MUSC 892, 893, 894, 895 and 896)*, and document (2 credits of MUSC 897))	24 credits
Advanced Research (MUSC 747)	2 credits
Cognate Studies (minimum of two 700-level music history courses [one MUSC 744 Topics in Music History course must be completed], at least three 700-level music theory courses, and maximum four credits of ensemble and chamber music [MUSC 734 and 735])	22 credits

Foreign language requirement to be satisfied before the comprehensive examination can be scheduled: Candidates for the DMA in Voice will demonstrate reading proficiency in French, German and Italian through a translation exam provided by the voice area faculty.

* Students may combine two featured or three supporting opera roles (as defined by American Guild of Musical Artists Schedule C) in place of one major role to receive credit for MUSC 893. Roles may be compiled over a period of six semesters.