<p>This is a vague broad question, meant to create discussion rather than seek a specific answer.</p>
<p>What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of going for a Graduate Diploma (or as they say here in Europe, Postgraduate Diploma - PGDip) as opposed to a Master's degree. </p>
<p>If one wants to eventually apply for a DMA or a PhD, do most programs (at least in the US) generally accept applicants who have a Diploma but not a Master's?</p>
<p>For the un-initiated, there's a brief outline of the GPD <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/558629-mm-vs-phd.html?highlight=graduate+professional+diploma%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/558629-mm-vs-phd.html?highlight=graduate+professional+diploma</a></p>
<p>theorygeek made a comment there (post 7) that bears expanding:
[quote]
I think in many ways, the Master's degree is really a continuation of undergraduate studies with increased specialty and intensity. The PhD is primarily a research degree, focused on a dissertation. The DMA is based around a final project, like a composition portfolio or a final concert (I believe.)
[/quote]
</p>
<p>To stick the GPD into the mix, it is a performance driven activity, designed to fine tune skills and techniques, in the quest for "artisitic" mastery of the instrument or genre without the "academic" requirements of a masters. It's an intense skill driven focus.</p>
<p>I don't know if sequencing makes a difference, as we've come across
BM, GPD, MM holders, and BM,MM, and GPD in reverse sequence. I think the choice is made by the candidate based on their current or intended path. We've seen it cross discipline as well, with a performance MM and a GPD in conducting for example. </p>
<p>The GPD seems to be a bit more flexible in allowing the candidate to focus on a specific style, tradition, repetoire, or period than a Masters, but that can vary by institution. </p>
<p>It may be a function of opportunity as well. Costs, fellowships, funding, may prove a factor in deciding which way to go, as might flexibilty of program length. </p>
<p>Can't say I've seen every permutation but I have seen a number of "letters" after the same name, and the MM, GPD, DMA or AD sequencing doesn't seem to be set in stone.</p>
<p>I know that if money wasn't an object, a good number of aspiring musicians would be perpetual "students". :D</p>
<p>If I go into a GDP program (instead of an MM) now, will that shortchange me when I decide to apply for a DMA program later?</p>
<p>On the websites of most schools, they usually describe the requirements of all graduate applicants to include a "bachelors degree in music or the equivalent." Common practice. However, not all schools state anything specific on DMA and other terminal degree applicants, nor elaborate on whether GPD or ADs match up as "equivalents" to masters degrees.</p>
<p>DMA programs will in principle not admit you if you do not have an MM; a GPD is basically equivalent from a performance standpoint, but it is not a degree as such, and does not supply academic preparation for doctoral study. An MM is the required qualification. That said, a GPD in combination with an excellent undergraduate record (academically speaking) and some professional performance experience might be sufficient to warrant an exception at some schools.</p>