This two-year program is reserved for advanced performers who have completed undergraduate academic degrees in music or their foreign equivalent 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 our artist-teacher faculty, which includes members of the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra, and other singers and instrumentalists with distinguished performing careers.
The artist diploma program includes advanced studies in large ensembles, chamber music, repertoire, and other coursework relevant to obtaining a career as a professional musician. This program is flexible and personalized to address the specific needs of the advanced student and includes three recitals focused on the student’s individual professional and career goals.
The Artist Diploma is not an academic degree. It is a special certificate granted upon demonstration of an extraordinary level of performance skills.
Additional Learning Outcomes for the Artist Diploma
Students complete a rigorous series of three recitals, one each semester during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters of the two-year program. Students must demonstrate a high level of musical achievement on these recitals. Requirements include performances of standard solo and orchestral repertoire, including orchestral excerpts for professional audition purposes.