Klarinet Archive - Posting 000142.txt from 2005/06

From: "dnleeson" <dnleeson@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] DMA vs. PhD
Date: Mon, 06 Jun 2005 21:56:17 -0400

You are touching on a very sensitive problem. One of the
difficulties of a DMA is that there are varying standards. Thus a
DMA from a school with weak standards could result in giving an
inferior player a level of authority that s/he does not really
have. While a DMA from a school with higher standards can
produce a student who can compete anywhere.

I have read dissertations from some students who received a
doctorate of music, and my opinions of some (opinions that were
not solicited, I assure you) was that I would not want that
person to teach my dog about playing music, so inadequate was
his/her written communication skills, his/her knowledge of the
subject, and his/her ability to do serious research. Many of the
dissertations that I have read border on a college senior's B
term paper.

There are very few professional players in the major symphonies
of America with advanced degrees, though some have attained a
bachelor's degree, but fewer a master's degree. Is there a single
principle player in America with a DMA? Some have no degrees at
all, which is unfortunate because their music history knowledge
is often inadequate. But they can play!!! Wow, can they play.

This has given rise to two armed camps, namely the professional
performers on one hand and the academics on the other, with each
seriously mistrusting the other.

It is a situation that is going to be with us for a long time.

Dan Leeson
DNLeeson@-----.net

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce M [mailto:bmcgar@-----.com]
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2005 6:34 PM
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: RE: [kl] DMA vs. PhD

Re. DMA:

Used to be that you had to play excellently. Now you have to have
a piece of
paper that says that you do.

"You can't choose her over me! *I* have a DMA, and she doesn't!"

That's advancement for you.

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