The Artist Diploma is a highly specialized and performance-oriented non-degree graduate certificate program for exceptional musicians who have great potential for a professional career in music performance at the international level.

Admission

Entering students should have a bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited institution.

All applicants are required to furnish a statement of intent in graduate study and three letters of reference pertaining to their potential for graduate work in music. Graduate Record Examinations scores are not required for students pursuing degrees in music with concentrations in composition or performance. Applicants seeking admission to degree programs with a concentration in performance typically must perform a live audition. Exceptions and detailed instructions can be found on the Butler School of Music graduate admissions website. Those seeking admission to the degree program in certain areas of concentration within music must submit prescreening videos before arranging for a live audition on campus; those planning to major in music with a concentration in composition must send scores and recordings of their music; and those planning to major in music with a concentration in musicology, ethnomusicology, or music theory must submit samples of their written work. 

Diagnostic examinations in music theory and in music history and literature are required of all students before registration for the first semester of graduate work. Passing these examinations or remedying deficiencies by completing assigned courses is necessary for the completion of every degree and is a prerequisite for doctoral comprehensive examinations.

Entering graduate students in music pursuing a concentration in voice are expected to have taken the equivalent of one semester each of Italian, French, and German, and two semesters of diction. All entering graduate students pursuing a degree with a concentration in voice are given a diagnostic examination consisting of reading in these three languages. The examination stresses proficiency in pronunciation and is used to help the student plan a program of study.

Total Hours Required: 27 

Requirements 

The program requires completion of at least 27 semester hours of graduate coursework, including but not limited to courses in performance, performance practice, and advanced music literature, as well as an artist recital course taken for each of three required recitals. Additional information is available from the graduate admissions coordinator.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
All students must also follow the following requirements and policies:
Graduate Fine Arts Requirements
Graduate University Requirements