The mission of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Keyboard Performance is to:

• Provide students the highest quality of education available in the areas of piano performance and musicianship that will provide the foundation for a successful teaching career at an institution or private studio, and which could also lead toward a professional performance career as a classical pianist
• To stimulate the student's awareness and artistic creativity in the field of piano performance
• To provide students public performance performance opportunities in a supportive and encouraging environment
• To provide students performance skills necessary for careers in teaching, success at national/international piano competitions, and to further their skills in performance.