<p>Symphonyart - my son is a composer and not a performance major, so the higher ed options are different. It is possible for advanced composition students to go directly into a PhD or DMA program. These programs usually offer fellowships to their top applicants - tuition free, plus a living stipend. Some schools require the students to teach in exchange for that stipend, but others have no work requirements. I’ve seen the living stipend range from a low of $6,000 to a high of $30,000. I have no idea what the finances are for performance students pursuing a DMA.</p>