Artist Diploma in Performance

The Artist Diploma is a non-degree program for the specialized training of the unusually gifted and accomplished performer. The program focuses on the practical aspects of musical training: private instruction, performance, participation in musical organizations and chamber music, and musicianship skills.

Admission Requirements

An applicant to the Artist Diploma program must be a superior musician who has already demonstrated the strong potential for a successful performing career. Applicants must have already earned a bachelor’s degree, or an acceptable diploma in music, or the equivalent in the determination of the faculty of the School of Music. Applicants are required to audition in person. In addition to the audition, solo and ensemble experience and breadth or repertoire are taken into account as criteria for admission. A preliminary recording must be submitted. Based on the review of this recording, applicants may be invited to audition. Before the audition, the applicant is required to submit a curriculum vitae, a complete list of repertoire, transcripts of previous academic work, and three letters of recommendation.

Program of Study

Every Artist Diploma candidate is required to fulfill 28 credits as specified in the major, and to give three recitals. Candidates are required to spend two years in residence at Boston University and to take private instruction in their performance field during every semester of enrollment.

Performance Areas

Bassoon	French Horn	Organ	Trumpet
Cello	Harp	Percussion	Tuba
Clarinet	Harpsichord	Piano	Viola
Double Bass	Historical Performance	Saxophone	Violin
Flute	Oboe	Trombone	Voice

Strings Program Outline

Program of Study

Applied lessons	12 credits
Chamber Music	4 credits
Music Electives	12 credits
Three recitals

Winds, Brass, and Percussion Program Outline

Program of Study

Applied Lessons	12 credits
Chamber Music	4 credits
Music Electives	12 credits
Three recitals

Organ Program Outline

Program of Study

Applied Lessons	12 credits
Chamber Music	4 credits
Music Electives	12 credits
Three recitals

Piano Program Outline

Program of Study

Applied Lessons	12 credits
Chamber Music	4 credits
Music Electives	12 credits
Three recitals

Collaborative Piano Program Outline

The Artist Diploma in Collaborative Piano offers the following three concentrations:

Collaborative Piano (without specific concentration)

Applied Lessons	12 credits
Special Topics in Song Literature	4 credits
Duo Instrumental Sonatas	4 credits
Music Electives	8 credits
Three recitals including vocal, instrumental sonata, and chamber repertoire

Collaborative Piano – Instrumental Concentration

Applied Lessons	12 credits
Duo Instrumental Sonatas	8 credits
Duo Instrumental Sonatas	8 credits
Chamber Music	4 credits
Music Electives	4 credits
Three recitals including instrumental sonata and chamber repertoire

Collaborative Piano – Vocal Concentration

Applied Lessons	12 credits
Special Topics in Song Literature	8 credits
Opera Arias for Pianists	4 credits
Music Electives	4 credits
Three recitals including vocal and vocal chamber repertoire

Voice Program Outline

Program of Study

Applied Lessons	16 credits
Electives	12 credits
Three solo recitals (an opera or oratorio role may substitute for one recital)

Vocal students in the Artist Diploma program must satisfactorily complete an examination in the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to English, French, German, and Italian.