Music Performance, Advanced Diploma

School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts

Program Overview

The advanced diploma in music performance is for those wishing to enhance their career as a professional instrumentalist or singer. A key feature of this program is weekly private studio lessons with our internationally acclaimed performance faculty. These lessons are augmented by performance opportunities within the Conservatory of Music’s ensembles and student concerts, which include two staged operas each year and numerous orchestra, chamber music, and contemporary ensemble performances.

Music Performance, Advanced Diploma

Where You'll Go

With your advanced diploma in music performance, you will be prepared for a career as a performer or be ready to continue on to a doctoral program in music performance. Conservatory alumni have gone on to work with major symphony orchestras and have won major industry awards and global competitions.

Program Details

The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.

Matriculation Requirements

Applicants for the program must have completed a master’s degree in music performance at a U.S. institution or professional equivalent, or a non-U.S. equivalent institutional degree.

Applicants for the program must pass an audition at the time of application. A request for an audition appointment may be made by telephone to the Conservatory of Music office.

International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and must have a minimum score of 500 on the paper examination (or TOEFL Computer 173; TOEFL iBT 60).

General matriculation and admission requirements of graduate studies are in the section “Graduate Admission” of the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Requirements (18–36 Credits)

Eighteen (or 36) credits over one year (or two years) are required for the artist diploma in music performance. The duration of study depends on a student’s technical level and performance career goals. The program of study must be approved by the conservatory.

Students must complete requirements for the program as follows. Any remaining credits required for the degree must be in music courses chosen in consultation with the deputy chair. Any course substitutions must be approved in writing prior to registration. Required ensembles are assigned by the conservatory, based on the entrance audition.

First Year (18 credits)

  • Music 7795X and 7796X (Distinguished Performance I & II)
  • Music 7813X (Repertory Study for Major Instrument or Voice, taken both semesters)
  • Two courses from Music 7700X (Opera Workshop), 7760X (Orchestra), or 7770X (Wind Ensemble), or a decision from the department exempting you from this requirement only if you are a pianist
  • Two courses from Music 7740X or 7741 (Chamber Music or Contemporary Music Ensemble)
  • Two courses from Music 7441 (Introduction to Music Business & Marketing), Music 7840 (Seminar in Performance Practices), or a department-approved 7000-level Music course.

Second Year (18 credits)

  • Music 7797X and 7798X (Distinguished Performance III & IV)
  • Music 7813X (Repertory Study for Major Instrument or Voice, taken both semesters)
  • Two courses from Music 7700X (Opera Workshop), 7760X (Orchestra), or 7770X (Wind Ensemble), or a decision from the department exempting you from this requirement only if you are a pianist
  • Two courses from Music 7740X or 7741X (Chamber Music or Contemporary Music Ensemble)
  • To courses from Music 7441 (Introduction to Music Business and Marketing), Music 7840 (Seminar in Performance Practices), or a department-approved 7000-level Music course.

Students must perform a graded jury examination at the end of their first and third terms of study (i.e. for Music 7795X and 7797X). A faculty-approved, graded recital must be presented at the conclusion of the second and fourth terms of study in this program (i.e., for Music 7796X and 7798X).

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a technical mastery and musical maturity in public performance at a professional level.
  • Demonstrate ability to speak and write substantively and persuasively about the music composed for one’s primary instrument.
  • Demonstrate fluency with a broad range of repertoire for one’s primary instrument.
  • Extensive experience with both small and large ensemble performing at a professional level.

Admissions Requirements

  • Fall Application Deadline: March 1, rolling admission
  • Spring Application Deadline:  November 1, rolling admission

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

  • Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should include a description of your current activities, what you hope to gain from the program, and your musical goals.
  • All students who wish to submit an audition virtually or request an in-person audition must fill out the Graduate Audition Request Form.

Required Tests

  • F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.
  • TOEFL (paper, computer, internet): 500, 173, 61

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.

Contact

Alexandra Lewis, Graduate Performance Adviser

401s Whitehead Hall
E: alewis@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5000, ext. 2649

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.4536

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:

BC Admissions Appointment Tool

Internships and Employers

Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the music performance advanced diploma program access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:

  • Atlantic Records
  • Comedy Central
  • Hot 97
  • NBCUniversal
  • Sony Entertainment

Learn More

Brooklyn. All in.

Brooklyn. All in.