Program Description: The artist diploma is a highly selective non-degree graduate program for the specialized training of the gifted and accomplished performer.  The program focuses on the practical aspects of music performance: private instruction, solo performance, participation in musical ensembles, chamber music, musicianship skills, and may include non-performance supportive music courses.

Admission Requirements:

• To be accepted into artist's diploma program the applicant must have earned the bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and must have an overall GPA of 2.75 (or 3.00 in the last two years of study).
• The successful applicant to the artist's diploma program will present an audition demonstrating a high level of performance ability.  All audition requirements will parallel the graduate-level audition requirements used in existing graduate degree programs.
• For specific audition requirements, see http://www.bsu.edu/music/gradauditions/
• A live audition on the Ball State campus is required for unconditional acceptance into the program; however, a recent videotape, compact disc, or DVD recording may be submitted for conditional acceptance into the program.  A student admitted conditionally must perform a live audition before the end of the first semester of study in order to continue in the program.
• All diploma students must pass a jury or a recital hearing by the end of the second semester of study.

Program of Study (24 semester credits minimum):

• Applied study: 8-12 credits (MUSPE 600-609, 610-619)
• Career/Performance Seminar: 4 credits (2 hrs/semester; Special Topics, MUSPE 692)
• Electives: 8-12 credits (Courses selected may include: additional applied study, ensemble participation, chamber music, special topics, conducting, diction and literature, pedagogy, improvisation, courses in music technology, courses from music theory or music history and musicology, etc.)

Recital Requirement:

Two faculty-adjudicated solo recitals.  For voice, the performance of a major opera role or a major performance with orchestra (40-50 minutes of singing) may be substituted for one recital, with permission of the voice faculty.

Additional Requirements:

• Diploma students will be in residence for a minimum of two semesters (Residence is defined as a minimum of 8 hrs/semester (may include summer).
• All requirements for the diploma must be met within a five-year period.
• Students wishing to take graduate-level courses in theory (MUSTH) or music history (MUHIS) must establish eligibility by passing the theory/history placement tests or successfully completing the review courses.
• Undergraduate courses may be taken during the course of the diploma program, but will not count toward the required 24 hours of graduate credit.
• No transfer credits from other institutions are allowed.
• International students must apply through the Rinker Center for International Programs.

For additional requirements and information about the Artist Diploma in Music Performance, the possibilities for financial support, and for arranging auditions, contact:

Kirby L. Koriath
  Graduate Music Coordinator
School of Music
Ball State University
Muncie, IN  47306
   765-285-5502 (voice)
   765-285-5401 (fax)
klkoriath@bsu.edu

www.bsu.edu/music