The Artist Certificate in Music is a full-time graduate performance program designed to prepare the most talented, outstanding keyboard and string performers for careers as professional performing musicians. Students accepted into this certificate program must demonstrate the ability to perform advanced repertoire with technical and artistic mastery and have the potential or success at major competitions or auditions for major orchestras, or want to begin a professional career. Students will take courses that build the repertoire, artistry, and performance skills necessary for a professional performer.
Applicants to this graduate certificate program must hold a minimum of the bachelor’s degree or equivalency, and follow the procedures and regulations for applying for admission to graduate study at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Graduate Division of the School of Music. Required credentials for admission to the School of Music include
- a completed online application submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office
- university application fee
- official transcripts of all post-secondary studies
- two letters of recommendation, and a repertoire list
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Passing marks are 550, 80, and 6.5 for paper-based, internet-based (IBT) TOEFL, and IELTS respectively.
Final admission to the certificate program is granted following successful completion of a thirty-minute admission audition. The audition repertoire should include selections demonstrating the student’s ability to perform in various musical styles. If distance to the audition is a hardship, applicants may submit a thirty-minute videotape/DVD (public performance preferred). The student must also present a live audition before a designated faculty committee during the first semester of residence.
Once accepted, all students are required to take the diagnostic examinations in musicology, area literature, music theory, and ear training before registering for courses. The examinations are given on the first day of registration each semester, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at approximately 4:00 p.m. Each entering student should notify the graduate secretary to indicate the semester that s/he intends to enter and take the examinations.
Students may specialize in string or keyboard performance. To receive the artist certificate in music, the student must successfully complete an artist certificate curriculum of at least 19 hours (see School of Music Graduate Handbook, available in 211 Music Building) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. The curriculum is centered on intensive activities related to performance, including private lessons, large and small ensembles, recitals, and courses in area literature, performance practices, and repertoire. Courses chosen for music electives should be lecture courses. All required recitals are to be performed in public with a committee of the School of Music faculty in attendance. Enrollment for a minimum of two semesters is required with a maximum of two years allowed for completion of the program. The School of Music may require additional hours. All course requirements must be completed at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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