Music Performance Graduate Certificate Program (Non-Degree)
College of Performing and Visual Arts
Certificate Requirements — 12-16 Credits
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, 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
The student will enroll in the following courses <i>each semester</i>:
String students (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
| MUS 673 | Individual Performance in Strings, Harp or Guitar | 2-4 |
| MUS 630 | Small Ensembles and Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS 667 | University Symphony Orchestra | 1-3 |
MUS 673: Take 8 credits total (4 credits each semester)
MUS 630: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
MUS 667: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
Woodwind students (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone)
| MUS 674 | Individual Performance in Woodwinds | 2-4 |
| MUS 630 | Small Ensembles and Chamber Music | 1 |
| | and either | |
| MUS 667 | University Symphony Orchestra | 1-3 |
| | or | |
| MUS 691 | Wind Ensemble | 1-3 |
MUS 674: Take 8 credits total (4 credits each semester)
MUS 630: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
MUS 667 or MUS 691: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
Brass and percussion students (trumpet, horn, tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion)
| MUS 675 | Individual Performance in Brass or Percussion | 2-4 |
| | Elective (in consultation with assigned advisor) | 1 |
And choose one of the following (Determined by audition)
MUS 675: Take 8 credits total (4 credits each semester)
Elective: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
MUS 667 or MUS 690 or MUS 691: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
Piano students
| MUS 671 | Individual Performance in Piano | 2-4 |
| MUS 630 | Small Ensembles and Chamber Music | 1 |
| | Elective (in consultation with assigned advisor) | 1 |
MUS 671: Take 8 credits total (4 credits each semester)
MUS 630: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
Elective: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
Voice Students (Early music, Oratorio, and Art Song) — 12-16 hours
| MUS 670 | Individual Performance in Voice | 2-4 |
| MUS 628 | UNC Early Music Ensemble | 1 |
MUS 670: Take 8 credits total (4 credits each semester)
MUS 628: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
And choose from the following courses (choose 1-3 credits each semester for two semesters):
MUS 536, MUS 538, MUS 539: These performance classes have an academic element. Enrollment eligibility is based on language scores.
Opera Performance Students — 12-16 hours
| MUS 670 | Individual Performance in Voice | 2-4 |
| MUS 685 | Performance in Opera Theatre | 1-12 |
MUS 670: Take 8 credits total (4 credits each semester)
MUS 685: Take 2 credits total (1 credit each semester)
And choose from the following courses (choose 1-3 credits each semester for two semesters):
Scholarships:
Competitive scholarship awards may be available to help offset cost of tuition and fees.
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.