Everyone (except composition and organ majors) must give two solo recitals and a special recital called the Performance Project. The latter is a recital that usually consists of chamber music, but which may take other forms depending on the student’s major.

• Composition majors give only one recital in which they publicly present their work.
• Organ majors play three solo recitals but no Performance Project.
• Accompanying majors play three recitals of chamber music.

When to Give Recitals

Normally, recitals are played in the first four semesters of doctoral work. This coincides with the time during which lessons are taken. If, for any reason, a student fails to play both solo recitals within the first four semesters of study, he or she will be required to take and pay for an additional semester of part-time lessons in the third year of study.

Recital Content

Recitals are to contain mostly new repertoire (approximately 2/3), and should represent a balance of styles, periods, and nationalities. Approval for more specialized recitals may be obtained upon consultation with the assistant dean and the chair of the student’s department.

The content of all recitals must be approved in advance.

Performance Projects

The Performance Project is nearly always a chamber music recital. If this option is elected to fulfill the requirement, the student must present a program of varied performance media. A program of nothing but two-piano works, or piano trios, or string quartets will not satisfy the requirement.

The Performance Project is supported by an additional two hours of coaching from any member of the Manhattan School of Music faculty that the student wishes.

Occasionally the Performance Project takes a different form. Lecture recitals are one possibility. For voice majors, operatic scenes are an acceptable alternative to the usual program of chamber music.

Adjudication and Grading

All doctoral recitals are adjudicated by a panel of at least two faculty members who attend recitals.

Recitals are graded with the following letters:

• PH = Pass with honors
• P = Pass
• LP = Low pass
• E = Privilege of re-exam
• F = Failed

"Pass with honors" is awarded only to those performances which, in the opinion of the jurors, represent the highest level of artistic distinction.

"Pass" indicates that your recital was competent and satisfactory in every respect.

"Low pass" indicates a juror's concern about a problem with some aspect of your performance. If any juror gives you such a grade, you will be notified that a lack of confidence has been expressed about your playing. If another recital also receives a grade of LP from any juror, you will be asked to play an additional recital at a "passing" level before being allowed to graduate.

"Re-exam" is usually awarded in circumstances where an obvious external problem (e.g., illness) interfered with the student's ability to perform up to his or her true ability. In such cases you will be asked to replay the same recital before a different jury sometime during the following semester. No academic penalties are incurred with this grade. If, however, you cannot replay the recital within one semester, the grade of E will be changed to F and you will be placed on academic suspension until a new recital is successfully completed.

"Failed" is reserved only for cases of serious performance problems. This grade requires that you play a completely new recital at the beginning of the following semester. If this is not possible, you will be placed on temporary academic suspension until the failed recital is successfully passed.

In cases where jurors submit conflicting grades, the following system will pertain:

• PH + P = P
• LP + P = P
• LP + E = determination by the department chair
• F + anything = determination by the department chair

Off-Campus Recitals

Except for organ majors, who always give recitals off-campus, students generally give all recitals at Manhattan School of Music. However, one of the three recitals may be given off-campus. If the recital is elsewhere in New York City, a faculty panel may be invited to attend. If the recital is out of town, a program and both a video and audio cassette tape recording must be submitted for adjudication.

Composition Recital and Juries

During the first two years of study, composition majors must write, among other works, a 10-12 minute orchestral work and a substantial chamber work (scored for 4-15 performers, lasting not less than 20 minutes).

Composition majors take an end-of-the-year jury in each of the years for which they are registered for coursework. Registration for these juries is handled by the registrar’s office. Each jury carries 2 credits.

Composition majors give only one recital in which they present their works in live performance. The composer is expected to participate in the performance in some capacity, usually as the conductor of at least one work. This recital is the culmination of work for the degree. It is a very important and formal concert. The program needs to be carefully planned, considering variety and pacing. Please be aware of the following guidelines for the program:

a. The program must be approved in detail by the student’s major teacher, the chairman of the composition department, and the assistant dean of doctoral studies.

b. The program must include the substantial chamber work written during the first two years of doctoral study.

c. The program should have not less than 60 minutes of music.

d. All the music on the program must have been written during the student’s DMA candidacy at Manhattan School of Music.

Concerto Requirement

Pianists and guitarists must also perform two concertos as part of the degree requirements. These are usually done with piano accompaniment before a faculty jury, although video and audio tape recordings of live performances of concertos are encouraged. These juries are scheduled by the chairperson of the department. Orchestral instrument majors play one concerto in addition to an orchestral excerpts jury (see below). Concertos are graded like recitals (see above).

Orchestral Excerpts Jury

All instrumental majors other than guitar, piano, and organ are expected to play a jury of orchestral excerpts before they graduate. Repertoire lists for these exams are available from the assistant dean. Orchestral excerpts juries are usually scheduled during jury week at the end of each semester.