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The Graduate Certificate in Music Performance offers a one-year program providing an intensive period of post-baccalaureate study in music performance or conducting. It is intended for exceptionally gifted and accomplished performers and conductors seeking professional performing careers, but not wishing to engage in academic studies required for a graduate degree. Study is available in woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, piano, voice, organ, church music, jazz, carillon and conducting (band, orchestra and choir).

Admission to Music Performance Graduate Certificate Program

Candidates for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Music Performance must provide proof of a bachelor’s degree in keeping with the Admission to Graduate Study policy. 

Current Music Graduate Degree-Seeking Students: Graduate students in good standing (non-probationary) may declare for the Music Performance Certificate at any time during their course of study. There are no admission requirements and no cost for current music graduate students.

Current Graduate Students outside of Music: Non-music graduate students in good standing (non-probationary) who wish to be admitted to the Certificate program must apply directly to the certificate by completing the application to add a Graduate Certificate for current degree-seeking students (online form submission - no cost). Applicants will be invited to audition with the Area Coordinator for the program of interest, who will determine whether the student has the necessary background.

Certificate-Seeking Students (non-degree seeking): Students applying directly to the Certificate program must apply directly to KU Graduate Certificate Program (online form submission, cost: $30). Applicants will be invited to audition with the  Area Coordinator for the program of interest, who will determine whether the student has the necessary background.

Twelve (12) credit hours must be completed during one year of study to obtain the Graduate Certificate in Music Performance. An additional twelve (12) credit hours in music performance must be completed if continuing for a second year of study.*

Courses are in the following categories (credit hours are per year):

• Applied Studio Instruction (6)
• Large Ensemble (2)
• Chamber music/Jazz Combo/Accompanying/Coaching (2)
• Recital (1)
• Community Outreach Performance Project (1) or Elective (1)

*International Graduate Students

Federal regulations require F-1 international graduate students to maintain an enrollment of 9 credit hours per semester until their final semester of enrollment. Elective courses in the School of Music or courses in the AEC may be taken to reach this enrollment.  Students enrolling in a combination of AEC and music courses will be issued a “pathway” I-20 instead of a Certificate I-20.

Large Ensemble

Chamber music/Jazz Combo/Accompanying/Coaching

Students are required to enroll in 1 credit hour each semester in a course specific to their area of instruction.   

Recitals

Students are required to enroll in 1 credit hour of recital in the final semester of their course load.

MUS 799         Artist Certificate Recital

Community Outreach Performance Project

Students may enroll in 1 credit hour to satisfy the outreach project. All projects are overseen by the Associate Dean for Performance Activities. Students for whom this course is not appropriate will take an elective course (see Elective Courses).

MUS 800         Directed Study: Music Engagement and Outreach

Elective Courses  

Students are strongly advised to consult with their primary professor to choose an elective course(s) that is consistent with their primary course of study. International Graduate Students who have a TOEFL score between 65 and 80 (Internet-based) must take a minimum of 3 credits through the Applied English Center (AEC) during their first semester of enrollment.