Dr. Donald Palma

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Donald Palma is an Assistant Professor Adjunct of Double Bass at Yale School of Music, where he has been teaching since 1992. His teaching philosophy focuses on helping students achieve a natural, comprehensive, and flawless double bass technique. Palma is an active performer, conductor, and educator, contributing to the musical landscape of the northeastern United States and beyond. He is currently a double bassist with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and has previously held prominent positions such as principal bassist for Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. He has also participated as a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has led various notable ensembles. His extensive teaching experience includes giving master classes at prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School and the San Francisco Conservatory. With a rich recording history, Palma has collaborated with acclaimed musicians and orchestras, contributing to over fifty CDs, including works that celebrate composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Elliott Carter. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School, where he studied under distinguished instructors and has performed at prestigious venues across the globe.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor Adjunct Double Bass

— Present

Yale School of Music • New Haven, CT

Teaching graduate-level double bass students and conducting master classes.

Awards

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ASCAP/Chamber Music America Award

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Naumburg Chamber Music Competition

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House Representative Congressional Citation

Requirements for Yale University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Speaking
Required:7.5
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Statement of academic purpose
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Application fee ($105)
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered via the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). GRE General is optional for PhD.