Graduate
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. The Performer Diploma, Orchestral Studies is open only to string majors. Performer Diploma students may seek entrance to the Artist Diploma program.
General Requirements
Students enroll in lessons and major ensemble each semester. Students in the instrumental Performer Diploma, Solo Performance and Artist Diploma enroll in chamber ensemble each semester. Students in the Performer Diploma, Orchestral Studies enroll in orchestral repertoire each semester, and chamber ensemble for a minimum of two semesters. Over the course of their program, diploma students also enroll in 6 credits of other music courses, perform one recital (Performer Diploma, Solo Performance), pass one exam (Performer Diploma, Orchestral Studies), or perform four recitals (Artist Diploma), and meet a language requirement. Voice students have additional requirements in language grammar and diction. The minimum enrollment each semester is 9 credit hours (there is no minimum in the summer term.) No transfer of credit is accepted toward the requirements of any diploma program.
Grade Requirements
Students in all 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 or Orchestral Studies Exam; a grade of B or higher in each ensemble enrollment; 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, chamber ensemble, or orchestral repertoire, 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.