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Graduate 2020-2021

Music Performance Graduate Certificate Program (Non-Degree)

College of Performing and Visual Arts

The Graduate Certificate in Performance is a two-semester post-baccalaureate course of study designed for advanced, non-degree seeking students wishing to pursue intense and concentrated musical study in violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, piano, voice, or opera performance at the graduate level. Prerequisite for admission is a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent diploma. Applicants whose first language is not English must prove acceptable English language ability before being granted Regular Admission. They may do so by submitting TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS test scores. International students may enroll in English courses in addition to the 12 credit-hour requirement. Applicants who successfully graduate from level 7 of UNC’s Intensive English Program may be eligible for Regular Admission. Applicants who have received a bachelor's or master's degree from a US Institution do not need to submit language scores. All students are required to be enrolled in an appropriate health insurance plan.

Major programmatic emphasis is placed on the development of solo and ensemble skills. A residency of two semesters (summers excluded) at the University of Northern Colorado is required with 12 total hours of earned credit in music courses. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and show satisfactory performance at juried performance examinations each semester. Students entering the program are required to develop specific goals for the course of study in consultation with the assigned advisor. These might include preparation for solo competitions, preparation for orchestra auditions, preparation for entrance into a graduate program, or similar related goals.

Certificate Requirements — 12 Credits

The student will enroll in the following courses each semester:

String students (violin, viola, cello, double bass)

MUS 673Individual Instruction in Strings, Harp or Guitar

2

MUS 630Small Ensembles and Chamber Music

1

MUS 667University Symphony Orchestra

1

MUS 673: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester) 

MUS 630: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS 667: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS electives: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

Choose two credits of music electives each semester in consultation with assigned advisor.

Woodwind students (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone)

MUS 674Individual Instruction in Woodwinds

2

MUS 630Small Ensembles and Chamber Music

1


Choose one of the following (Determined by audition)

MUS 667University Symphony Orchestra

1

MUS 691Wind Ensemble

1

MUS 674: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

MUS 667 or MUS 691: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS 630: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS electives: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

Choose two credits of music electives each semester in consultation with assigned advisor.

Brass and percussion students (trumpet, horn, tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion)

MUS 675Individual Instruction in Brass or Percussion

2

And choose one of the following (Determined by audition)

MUS 667University Symphony Orchestra

1

MUS 690Symphonic Band

1

MUS 691Wind Ensemble

1

MUS 675: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

MUS 667 or MUS 690 or MUS 691: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS electives: Take 6 credits total (3 credits each semester)

Choose three credits of music electives each semester in consultation with assigned advisor.

Piano students

MUS 671Individual Instruction in Piano

2

MUS 630Small Ensembles and Chamber Music

1

MUS 671: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester) 

MUS 630: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS electives: Take 6 credits total (3 credits each semester)

Choose three credits of music electives each semester in consultation with assigned advisor.

Voice Students (Early music, Oratorio, and Art Song)

MUS 670Individual Instruction in Voice

2

MUS 628UNC Early Music Ensemble

1

MUS 670: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

MUS 628: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

Take 6 credits total (3 credits each semester) -  choose three credits each semester from the following courses in consultation with assigned advisor:

MUS 536German Art Song

2

MUS 538French/Italian Art Song

2

MUS 539British/American Art Song

2

MUS 561Vocal Coaching for Singers

1

MUS 630Small Ensembles and Chamber Music

1

MUS 685Performance in Opera Theatre

1

MUS 686Scene Studies in Opera

1

* MUS 536, MUS 538 and MUS 539 include an academic element. Enrollment eligibility is based on language scores.

Opera Performance Students

MUS 670Individual Instruction in Voice

2

MUS 685Performance in Opera Theatre

1

MUS 670: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

MUS 685: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

Take 6 credits total (3 credits each semester) - choose three credits each semester from the following courses in  consultation with assigned advisor:

MUS 560Opera Directing Seminar

1- 3

MUS 561Vocal Coaching for Singers

1

MUS 605English Diction

1

MUS 606German Diction

1

MUS 607French Diction

1

MUS 608Italian Diction

1

MUS 628UNC Early Music Ensemble

1

MUS 686Scene Studies in Opera

1

Folk and Bluegrass Students

MUS 630Small Ensembles and Chamber Music

1

MUS 654UNC Alternative Styles Ensemble

1

MUS 672Individual Instruction in Folk and Bluegrass

2

MUS Elective

4

MUS 630: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS 654: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS 675: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

MUS electives: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

Choose two credits of music electives each semester in consultation with assigned advisor.

Jazz Students - Instrumental

MUS 621Small Jazz Ensembles

1

MUS 625Jazz Ensembles

1

MUS 636Individual Instruction in Jazz

2

MUS 636: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

MUS 625: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS 621: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS electives: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

Choose two credits of music electives each semester in consultation with assigned advisor.

Jazz Students - Vocal

MUS 636Individual Instruction in Jazz

2

MUS 624Vocal Jazz Ensembles

1

MUS 636: Take 4 credits total (2 credits each semester)

MUS 624: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)

MUS electives: Take 6 credits total (3 credits each semester)

Choose three credits of music electives each semester in consultation with assigned advisor.

Application Requirements:

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Live in person audition, or by video recording with an interview by phone or video conference. Audition selections should consist of 20 minutes of representative repertoire.
  • $60 non-refundable application fee
  • International students must submit a letter of financial support

Continuation of Graduate Studies at UNC:

Although acceptance into the Graduate Certificate in Performance program does not automatically constitute admission to the Graduate School, certificate students may apply to continue their studies in an MM or DA program at UNC. A maximum of nine credits may be transferred upon petition to graduate degree programs in the School of Music.