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The Graduate Certificate in Music Performance offers 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 request to add the Music Performance certificate at any time during their course of study. There are no admission requirements 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): If applying directly to the Certificate program, you must apply directly to KU (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 to obtain the Graduate Certificate in Music Performance. International students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours during their first semester of certificate study (considered full-time enrollment), but may reduce enrollment during the second and final semester.

Courses are in the following categories:

• Studio Instruction (3 credit hours per semester/6 hours total, specific to the student's area of interest) 
• Large Ensemble (2 credit hours in Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Opera)
• Study in Performance (2 credit hours in Chamber Music/Jazz Combo/Accompanying/Coaching)
• Graduate Elective (1 credit hour in any related graduate course 500-level or above) 
• Recital (1 credit hour of ____799)

*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.   

Elective Courses  

Students can enroll in any graduate-level course in the School of Music that will contribute to their certificate study.

Recitals

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

course ____ 799         Artist Certificate Recital

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Demonstrate capacities to work independently and make effective artistic judgments. 
• Demonstrate capacities to work collaboratively in a performing ensemble. 
• Demonstrate comprehensive capabilities in the student's performing medium and the ability to complete a capstone recital.