Graduate Studies in Music - Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Music Performance

This is a program in performance for musicians who have already achieved a competent level of technical and musical skills and wish to further develop their performance expertise across a range of repertoire. Students will specialise in developing their individual skills that may include solo, orchestral or operatic repertoire, chamber ensemble, jazz or accompaniment. Study will be available in the full range of instruments/voice, subject to availability of staffing and places.

Program Duration and attendance

The program is normally taken over two semesters (32 weeks) on a part-time basis, to provide students with the opportunity for sequenced technical and artistic progress over a sustained period of tuition with a teacher. In exceptional circumstances, students may request consideration to undertake the course full-time over one semester, in which case the student must apply to the Prescribed Authority for special consideration, clearly stating the reasons.

Under normal circumstances there will be an average contact of one hour per week for individual tuition. However, the arrangement of that time will depend on the student’s study program, as directed by the teacher. In addition, students may attend and observe performance classes and other activities at the School of Music as available. Students not resident in Canberra may need to make alternative attendance arrangements with their teacher.

Admission requirements

Applicants should normally hold, or expect to hold, a Bachelor’s degree at pass level, or a diploma or equivalent qualification in music from an approved institution, or have considerable experience and distinction in the performance of music.

Supporting evidence: Applicants are required to submit a full academic record, or equivalent curriculum vitae, and any other material relevant to their application, such as evidence of performance experience.

Audition: Applicants are required to prepare a short program of approximately 15-30 minutes duration demonstrating their ability to perform a range of styles from different historical periods. Students may include movements or items from a larger work. Aural skills may be tested, and technical work may also be required.

Structure

Students will undertake an individual program of study, decided in consultation with their individual instrumental or vocal teacher. Students enrol in one course:

MUSM8299 Grad Certificate Music Performance: 24 units, or 12 units per semester.

Students are required to complete all 24 units successfully.

Assessment

Students will give a presentation at the end of their course to a Departmental panel, as determined by the Head of Department and as appropriate to the program of study. This must include at least one substantial and sustained work. This will assess technical and musical progress and artistic development over the course of study and, where possible, should be assessed by the same panel as assessed the audition. Students will receive a written report reviewing their progress at the end of the first semester of study, (or as a mid course review if undertaken full-time).

Exit Standard

Students must have satisfactorily attended the required classes to be eligible for assessment. The award will be graded at Distinction, Merit, Pass levels.

Status

Students awarded a Distinction on completion of the Graduate Certificate may be eligible to apply for status towards a Graduate Diploma in Music (Performance only), in which case students may request status for the first of the recitals of that award.

No status will normally be granted towards a Master's program or a Graduate Diploma which includes a research project. If applying for a higher level graduate program, students may request that their final examination be used as the basis for their audition.