Admissions: Brass (DMA)

Admission to the Doctor of Musical Arts is based on artistry and scholarship. At the University of Florida, D.M.A. graduate students pursue an interdisciplinary cognate outside of music as part of the music doctoral degree.

Current students have selected cognate studies in education, higher education administration, entrepreneurship, arts and medicine, event management, etc. Please prepare your statement of purpose to include your interest in a cognate, which may come from one of the offered Graduate Certificate programs or from courses around a topic of interest at UF, even if not officially offered as part of a certificate program.

Placement in the program is determined through a holistic admission process that includes auditioning directly to the School of Music, as well as completion of the University of Florida Graduate Admission application and a required interview.

The audition request form and UF application are both due by January 10, 2026. Audition days are January 31, February 1, and February 22.

Current UF Graduate Student Applying to Continue in DMA

• Current UF graduate students will need to complete all parts of the UF Graduate Application.
• Note: We have access to UF transcripts, so you do not need to request these or your previous institution’s transcripts.

STEP 1: Review Audition Requirements

STEP 2: Apply to the School of Music/Audition

DEADLINE FOR SCHOOL OF MUSIC APPLICATION AND AUDITION SIGN-UP:

January 10, 2026

Spring 2026 Audition Dates (on campus):

• Saturday, January 31, 2026
• Sunday, February 1, 2026
• Sunday, February 22, 2026

To audition on one of these dates, please use this form so we can add your name to the day’s schedule. If you would like to audition during a weekday visit, please coordinate in advance with the major professor.

Note: Carefully review the Audition Requirements above.

STEP 3: Apply to the University of Florida

DEADLINE FOR GENERAL UF APPLICATION:

January 10, 2026

Because recommenders need time to upload their letters to the University of Florida application system, you may create your account early and save it before making a final submission. This way, you may enter faculty email addresses and request letters earlier than the deadline to ensure timely responses. You will be able to check the status to see that this was received after you submit.

Note: International applicants: please see UF Admissions Information for International Students and review the information provided in the International Applicants tab below.

1. Letters of recommendation – THREE (3) required letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can speak to your ability to be successful in this graduate program. (Although character references are sometimes included, it is most helpful to have 2–3 of the letters written by former professors or individuals qualified to speak about your academic potential.)
2. Statement of Purpose about your interest in this unique D.M.A. curriculum, specifically your professional aspirations in assimilating your principal music discipline with the required non-music cognate.
3. Unofficial transcripts – For the purpose of initial review, upload unofficial, scanned copies of bachelor’s and master’s transcripts (not screenshots of grades). Official transcripts are required separately for applicants who receive an offer of admission.
4. Resume or curriculum vitae – Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application must include all post–high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Please ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
5. GPA – Enter your earned grades as they appear on your transcript for the bachelor’s degree: all grades from your upper-division courses (junior/senior years). Read the directions carefully to complete this section. Though you are applying with a master’s degree, this section addresses the 3.0 minimum bachelor’s GPA requirement. (A successful master’s degree may mitigate a below-3.0 GPA from the undergraduate degree.) This section must be completed by all applicants.

Apply online ($30 non-refundable application fee)
The Office of Admissions is unable to provide an application fee waiver.

Kindly email graduate@arts.ufl.edu to let us know you have completed the application, and to ask any questions about the application process!

STEP 4: Request Official Transcripts

While not required for the initial admissions review, official transcripts are required for applicants who receive an offer of admission from each postsecondary institution attended.

If you attended UF as your postsecondary institution, you do not need to order a transcript from the Office of the University Registrar.

Transcripts should be sent directly from your previous institution to the University of Florida Office of Admissions:

Office of Admissions
S201 Criser Hall
P.O. Box 114000
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

UF also accepts electronic transcripts through FASTER, Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, ScribbleSoft, eSCRIP-SAFE, Credential Solutions, SCOIR, or TranscriptsPlus. The email address for electronic transcripts is te@admissions.ufl.edu.

All academic credentials become property of the university. They will not be returned to you or forwarded to a third party. For diplomas and academic credentials that are only issued once, please send an attested or certified copy of the original.

Additional Admissions Information: International Students

Transcripts & Degree Certificates

• Submit unofficial transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas from every institution listed in your application’s educational history.
• Documents may be uploaded directly into your application or through your Check Status page.
• Upload scanned copies of the official paper versions issued by your institution—screenshots of grades will not be accepted.
• If your transcripts or certificates are not in English, you must include a certified, literal, line-by-line English translation. This can be provided by your institution or a professional translation service.
• Submitting a credential evaluation for college coursework completed outside the U.S. is optional.

The GRE is not required.

English Language Proficiency

The University of Florida requires demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English for international students. This ensures success in academic and campus life.

Students from non-English-speaking countries who have not completed at least one year of study at a U.S. institution within the last year must submit scores from one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 or higher
• TOEFL Paper-Based: 550 or higher
• TOEFL Internet-Based (iBT): 80 or higher
  • Speaking subscore of 28 or higher is required to be eligible for a teaching assistantship.
  • Scores of 23–27 on Speaking may still allow admission, but may require an additional English course prior to assignment.
  • A Writing subscore of 24 or higher is strongly recommended.

UF’s TOEFL School Code: 5812

If you have completed one academic year of college-level coursework at an institution where English is the official language (excluding intensive English programs), you may be eligible for a waiver. Your transcript will be evaluated to confirm.

English Language Support

• You may be required to take additional courses if the UF Graduate School or your academic department determines your English proficiency needs support.
• UF’s English Language Institute (ELI) offers:
  • Academic Writing support
  • International Teaching Assistant Support (SPEAK and EAP 5836)
  • Intensive non-degree programs for improving speaking, reading, and writing
  • Housing assistance and academic advising

Visit the UF English Language Institute for details.

Helpful Links

• UF Admissions for International Students
• UF International Student Services
• Overview of the I-20 Process

Graduate Assistantships are salaried positions that require a time commitment averaging 10, 13 or 20 hours per week performing duties related to teaching or technical/studio/lab assistance. Assistantships constitute the majority of the school’s financial aid funds and are awarded during admission review.

Graduate Assistantship amounts for MM and DMA appointments are:

• Most common award: $10,300 for .25 FTE (10 hours per week), paid $528.21 bi-weekly from mid-August to mid-May
• $13,596 for .33 FTE (13 hours per week), paid $697.23 bi-weekly from mid-August to mid-May
• Typically only Band GA assignments: $20,600 for .50 FTE (20 hours per week), paid $1,056.41 bi-weekly from mid-August to mid-May

Graduate assistants are evaluated each year, and reappointment is based on faculty evaluation of performance and the student’s satisfactory progress in the degree program. Most assistantships are extended for the standard duration of the student’s program, as offered in the admission award.

In addition to receiving a stipend, students holding at least a quarter-time graduate assistantship (10 hours weekly) are eligible for the tuition waiver and health insurance.

• Tuition waivers cover the minimum credits required for full-time enrollment and constitute a significant value within the assistantship package.
• The value of the tuition waiver for a non-Florida resident is approximately $11,000 per semester. For Florida residents, it is approximately $4,000 per semester.
• Full-time enrollment is 9 credits in the fall and spring semesters.
• GatorGradCare student health insurance is another important benefit of the assistantship package. Students enroll annually and pay an $18 monthly co-pay. Covered students may also enroll a spouse and/or children.

Tuition waivers do not cover university fees associated with registration (approximately $850–$950 per semester).
Waivers also do not cover course fees, which may range from $45–$75 per graduate course.

All university fees and course fees are deferred until mid-semester, which allows graduate assistants time to budget for the expense. All fees must be paid by the fee payment deferment deadline to avoid a $100 late fee charge and cancellation of registration.