Graduate Division

Diploma Programs in Performance  

The Performer Diploma and Artist Diploma programs are intended for the outstanding performer and are designed to concentrate study in appropriate repertoire. The diploma programs are administered by the director of graduate studies. Performer Diploma students may seek entrance to the Artist Diploma program.

General Requirements

Students enroll in lessons, major ensemble, chamber music (for instrumentalists) and possibly other music courses each semester for a minimum of 9 credit hours each semester (4 in the summer). Over the course of the program, students enroll in 6 credits of other music courses, perform 1 recital (Performer Diploma) or 4 recitals (Artist Diploma), and meet a language requirement. Voice students have additional requirements in language grammar and diction. No transfer of credit is accepted toward the requirements of any diploma program.

Grade Requirements

Students in the Artist Diploma and Performer Diploma programs must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate; a grade of A- or higher in performance study; a grade of A- or higher in each recital; a grade of C or higher in each course that is to count under the heading “Music Courses;” and a grade of A- or higher in chamber music, if required.

Language Requirements

International students whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 510 (paper-based), 183 (computer-based) or 65 (Internet-based) to be considered for admission.

Instrumental students whose first language is English must demonstrate knowledge of the grammar of one non-English language equivalent to two semesters at the college level with a grade of C or higher in each.

Voice students must demonstrate knowledge of French, German, and Italian grammar equivalent to two semesters at the college level with a grade of C or higher in each, and proficiency in diction in each language by examination or by passing a Jacobs School of Music diction course. Students must take all three diction exams in their first semester of enrollment; with voice department permission, they may take specific exams for a second time in their second semester of enrollment. For any exam not passed, students must pass the appropriate Jacobs School of Music diction course with a grade of C or higher.

Time Limits

Students in the diploma programs have a maximum of four semesters of enrollment within five years from the date of first enrollment. Additional semesters of enrollment within the five-year time limit are possible only through recommendation by the student’s performance instructor and approval by the director of graduate studies.

Academic Bulletins

PDF Version

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Previous Bulletins

Students are ordinarily subject to the curricular requirements outlined in the Bulletin in effect at the start of their current degree. See below for links to previous Bulletins.