Dartmouth’s MFA in Sonic Practice: A Transformative Graduate Program for Sound Artists
Dartmouth’s MFA in Sonic Practice is a one-of-a-kind three-year graduate program that offers full funding for composers, artists, and scholars who are passionate about exploring the vast potential of sound. This program brings together a tight-knit community of individuals who are deeply interested in the emotional and societal impact of sound, recognizing its ability to evoke physical responses, shape cultures, and expand perception. Through a combination of one-on-one mentorship, seminars, group critiques, and interdisciplinary classes, students develop the critical and technical skills needed to enhance their creative work and gain a deeper understanding of the aesthetics and politics of sound.
The MFA in Sonic Practice is particularly well-suited for artists who have already established a strong foundation of independent creative work and seek to further their skills through three years of intensive mentorship, constructive feedback, and a supportive community. The program welcomes a diverse range of artistic approaches and sonic traditions, serving as a home for students with hybrid practices that challenge traditional boundaries and academic norms. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to pursue their individual research interests and is ideal for self-motivated learners who thrive in environments that encourage academic independence.
Students enrolled in the MFA program receive a comprehensive financial package, including full tuition waivers, health insurance, a generous living stipend ($47,000 for the 2024–25 academic year), and a relocation bonus. The program boasts state-of-the-art facilities such as The Warehouse, a cutting-edge 24-channel spatial sound lab; The Bregman Electronic Studio, equipped with an 8-channel system and a collection of vintage analog synthesizers; and Sudikoff, a dynamic makerspace stocked with sensors and soldering irons. Additionally, students have access to individual workspaces at the cohort clubhouse in Hallgarten.
Prospective applicants are invited to attend the Virtual Open House on Thursday, December 5, from 12 to 1:30 pm (ET). This event provides an opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and current students, as well as gain insight into the program and application process.
For more information about Dartmouth’s MFA in Sonic Practice, visit music.dartmouth.edu/graduate.
