Artist Diploma in Music Performance
This program is reserved for advanced performers who have completed academic degrees or their foreign equivalent in music and whose accomplishments have already been amply demonstrated in various performance venues. Artist Diploma students devote most of their time perfecting their performance skills with private lessons from an artist-teacher, many of whom are members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Performance in large ensembles and chamber music groups rounds out their musical studies, as they expand their solo and ensemble repertoire, and prepare for auditions with renowned professional ensembles.
Admission Requirements
1. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree, master's degree, a college-level conservatory diploma or their foreign equivalent in music.
2. An audition is required for this program. Audition times are scheduled at specific times throughout the year and may be scheduled by contacting Troy Centofanto, Director of Music Admissions. The applicant should prepare for the audition the equivalent of a senior recital for undergraduate performance majors. DVDs, CDs and videotapes may be acceptable for a preliminary audition, although applicants should expect to audition at the University before a faculty panel.
3. TOEFL scores are not required of international applicants to the Artist Diploma in Performance program.
General Regulations
Time Limitations
Artist Diploma students will be enrolled full-time for four consecutive semesters, or two academic years of study.
Transfer of Credits
The program consists of 30 credits taken at Duquesne University. No credits may be transferred from any other institution.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available in the form of graduate awards, which consist of a full remission of tuition and fees. Students receiving such awards are required to provide a service to the school on a regular basis. For Artist Diploma students, this is usually, but not exclusively, in the area of performance. Awards are decided every spring for the following academic year. No applicant can be considered for an award until all application materials have been received and audition requirements fulfilled.
View Gainful Employment Disclosure for Certificates.
Sample Curriculum
This program is flexible and personalized to address the specific needs of the professionally advanced student. The curricular structure generally consists of a balance each semester among applied music, ensemble and chamber music performance and public recitals. For example, a typical semester would include:
Applied Music
Ensemble/Chamber Music
Course* or Artist Diploma Recital
*Courses in history or theory which would enhance performance musicianship
7 or 8 credits per semester
Total Degree Program - 30 credits
Contact director, Dr. Stephen Benham - Performance Department Home