Graduate and Post Graduate
Graduate and Postgraduate Study programs at the Conservatory offer several advanced areas of study to develop the professional musician. Emphasis is placed on performance opportunities, in conjunction with private lessons, master classes, academic course work, and graduate seminars.
The Master of Music degree is offered in chamber music, guitar, composition, conducting, keyboard instruments, orchestral instruments, piano accompanying, and voice. The Conservatory also offers the Artist Certificate in chamber music, the Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance and the Professional Studies Diploma in Instrumental Performance.
Admission Requirements
All graduate applicants living in North America must audition live either at the Conservatory or at a regional audition site. Voice and percussion applicants may not select the regional site option. Applicants living outside North America may submit a DVD or videotape recorded in American NTSC format in lieu of a live audition. Applicants to the Chamber Music program, Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance, and the Professional Studies Diploma in Instrumental Performance regardless of where they reside must audition on the designated date at the Conservatory. All solo repertoire on all instruments must be memorized at the graduate level, unless otherwise noted.
Master of Music
Two years of residence are required for Master's degree candidates. An accelerated schedule requires approval of the academic adviser, the major professor and the Academic Affairs Committee. Students in need of review study may be required to extend their programs beyond two years. A maximum of three years is allowed between the time of entrance and completion of the Master of Music degree. Graduate students must maintain a 3.00 grade point average in private instruction and ensembles, and a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better.
Students enrolled in the Master of Music in Performance program for any orchestral instruments must play in the orchestra every semester that they are enrolled in the Conservatory. In addition to completing the required credits in ensembles, graduate students must participate in ensembles to which they are assigned.
Jury examination and recital obligations for graduate students vary by department. In major areas where two recitals are required, one recital should present works from major stylistic periods, including one contemporary work. The other recital may be more specialized, involving the student's particular area of interest. The candidate must be involved in a performance of a major chamber music work in one of the recitals or juries. A student should normally complete at least one recital and/or jury during the first year of study. No required recitals or juries may be given outside the regular academic year. This policy may be waived in the case of a student who is repeating an examination that has been failed. No recital or jury can be given unless the student is registered for 801/802 at the time of the examination. These policies are strictly enforced.
For specific curriculum, jury and recital requirements, please see the Graduate Study and Postgraduate Study section of the
Collegiate Catalog.
Master of Music/Artist Certificate in Chamber Music
The Conservatory offers a unique program of study for violin, viola, cello and piano leading to either a Master of Music in Chamber Music or a non-degree Artist Certificate in Chamber Music. An important aspect of these programs is the apprentice concept of students, faculty and guest artists rehearsing and performing together. Private instruction with a member of the Conservatory collegiate faculty in violin, viola, cello and piano is also required.
For both the Master of Music and the Artist Certificate in Chamber Music, the applicant is expected to hold a bachelor's degree in music from an accredited college, university or conservatory. Exceptional applicants for the Master of Music who hold a bachelor's degree in another area may be accepted into the Master of Music program. Exceptional applicants for the Artist Certificate who do not hold a bachelor's degree may request a waiver of the degree requirement. Existing chamber groups are encouraged to apply for the program.
Students must complete four semesters of full-time residency at the Conservatory. Students are required to participate in weekly concerts, workshops, open rehearsals and chamber music master classes. Ensemble requirements (other than Chamber Music Performance 871/872) shall consist of four credits. Students are not required to register for any of these other ensembles in their first semester, but may elect to do so. The final decision on required participation in Conservatory ensembles other than chamber music will be made by the dean. The equivalent of two complete chamber music concerts must be performed in public during the two years of residence in either program. Each chamber music major will receive four hours of coaching per week and will be expected to rehearse ten hours per week.
In either the first or second year of both programs, each student must pass one solo jury examination (solo recital may substitute) with repertoire typical of a balanced recital program, but with the emphasis on sonatas. Solo performance standards remain at the same level required for the instrumental major in the Master of Music Instrumental programs. Since the programs will require each student's full attention, students will not be permitted to hold regular positions or be employed during the academic year. Students are permitted to accept occasional playing jobs when they are of artistic importance and when approved by the Chamber Music Committee.
The Master of Music in Chamber Music requires 55 credits and the Artist Certificate program requires 46 credits. For specific curriculum requirements, please see the Graduate Study and Postgraduate Study section of the
Collegiate Catalog.
Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance
The Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance is a one-year program that provides exceptionally talented students who have already completed a master's degree, or the equivalent, with the opportunity to continue their professional studies. All the ensemble classes are available by audition.
Postgraduate students are required to perform an Evaluation of a piece of their choice for the voice faculty at the end of the first semester. During the second semester the postgraduate student must perform a recital whose requirements are the same as for the Master of Music degree but at a more advanced level appropriate to post-graduate studies. Evaluation and jury requirements are also the same.
For specific curriculum requirements, please see the Graduate Study and Postgraduate Study section of the
Collegiate Catalog.
Professional Studies Diploma in Instrumental Performance
The Professional Studies Diploma is a one-year non-degree program designed to provide focused studies for young artists in the pre-professional stages of their careers. It is intended for students who wish to study on an advanced level and to assist them in preparing for major competitions, auditions, and performance careers by emphasizing individual instruction and performance opportunities.
With the exception of private lessons, the curriculum is designed by the student in consultation with their major teacher, in accordance with the specific career goals of the student. This affords time for intense personal study, and the freedom to choose electives, ensembles, and independent study projects directly related to professional goals. In addition to 9 credits of private instruction and 9 credits of ensemble/independent study credit, candidates for the Professional Studies Diploma must complete 6 elective credits.
For specific curriculum requirements, please see the Graduate Study and Postgraduate Study section of the
Collegiate Catalog.
Students are required to complete one jury satisfactorily as well as any midterm evaluations required by their individual departments. Jury requirements are determined by department in accordance with the student's specific career plans
