@compmom Can you elaborate on your comment about “Masters that are part of a PhD”? Do you mean a Master’s program where a PhD is also offered? Or, do you mean one can apply directly to PhD from UG? (Would that be for theory, pedagogy, etc. - but not for performance?)
Some masters are “terminal” and some are part of a PhD. In composition and various other fields, you can apply directly to a PhD, yes. Performance is usually a DMA.
I have been looking a masters and DMA programs and have found that many either just have a masters, or the performance MM is terminal and then you apply to the DMA. This covers conservatories and universities alike.
I was going to say that I 'misspoke" but in fact there are some DMA programs with masters that are not terminal. For instance, some of the UC system schools like UCLA and UCSD. More digging might turn up more.
McGill is more affordable, state U’s (SUNY Purchase for one) are possible, and some study in Germany where tuition is free, or the UK where a masters is shorter.
MANY don’t want a direct entry anyway because a terminal masters gives time to develop, and doesn’t lock you in. But funding situation is tough and I am sorry to mislead with reference to PhD programs 
I have a question for you all. My D is just starting the MM in VP. When they finally get out of school, where do they practice? I imagine practicing opera in a tiny studio apartment would be really annoying to the neighbors. Just wondering…
I have a singer practicing across the hall from me I enjoy it! Here’s hoping I am the rule not the exception.
For vocalists you almost always enter an MM program (or performance certificate). A DMA is pursued for academic (not performance) reasons generally. My D’s school talked to her about going on for a DMA offering it as all tuition covered and perhaps a TA - she never tried for it so you never know for sure. It was “loose” talk bc my D wanted to get out and perform (and her teacher agreed). And, for vocal performance, my D has said a DMA could diminish your chances as it signals an interest in academics as opposed to performance. Most serious performers only get MMs or performance certificates. I’m sure there are exceptions. So this is opinion but it is what I have seen with my D’s peers.
And…my D practices in her apartment. She and her friends talk about the need to let those around them know they will be practicing and checking the appropriate hours to practice. She is moving soon and her landlord told her, he would miss her singing. She also teaches voice in her apartment.
It’s seemed too obvious to mention - but Yale School of Music is tuition free. The living stipend is small, but there are no teaching requirements. If one wants to teach, one can supplement the income and there are jobs within the school. Curtis is tuition free, as well, and has programs for graduate level study. Not sure about living stipends.
I must say, I was a bit envious of those no longer juggling school calendars. As I type, D is looking at summer 2019 festivals/YAPs and trying to see which ones fit her summer break. Did I mention she just got back from this years program on Thursday?! But, in reading your stories, I see life is going to be a juggling act. I knew this. It is just starting to get real!
Some musicians seem to do a DMA to have more time to develop and to build networks for performance afterward. The state of arts funding in this country is so low that it seems many types of artists are staying in school for doctorates in order to have some funding (including pay for teaching) to develop as artists, dances, musicians, writers and so on.
I’ve seen that too @compmom
Going for the AD (artist diploma) also seems to be an option after the MM.
@Scubachick hope your daughter’s mm is going well!
Regarding the AD thing in VP:
Daughter just finished her MM vocal performance last spring. Of her classmates at this point, 5 have gone to young artist programs (one of them was an AD person not mm), a couple are doing a 3rd year in their masters program, and one or two have decided to go on to a doctorate. Not much talk yet of any of the masters graduates going on to do an AD. I think that may start being something they seek after a few years of experience, but not all that sure. Feel free to PM me for more specifics, having a daughter in VP is very competitive, so many women in this field!