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The advanced certificate in music performance is a program aimed at the student who wishes to enhance their career as a professional instrumentalist or singer. A key component of this program is weekly private studio lessons for four semesters 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.
With your advanced certificate in music performance, you will be prepared for a career as a performer or ready to continue your graduate studies in music performance. Our alumni have won major awards in the music and entertainment industries and have gone on to work with major symphony orchestras.
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2023–24 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Applicants for the program must a) have completed a bachelor’s degree in music or music performance at a U.S. institution or professional equivalent, or a non-U.S. equivalent institutional degree, and b) pass a live audition before Conservatory of Music faculty at an advanced level that demonstrates clear promise as a performer. A request for an audition appointment may be made by telephone to the conservatory 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).
Students who hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with at least 36 credits in music courses, including courses in analysis, counterpoint, harmony, and history, may also apply. Consideration is also given to applicants who do not meet course requirements but have unusual talent or experience equivalent to course work. Such applicants should consult the deputy chair.
A diagnostic placement examination is given to all admitted students. The test includes writing skills (harmonic and contrapuntal techniques), analysis, history, and literature. Further information about the examination may be obtained from the deputy chair.
General matriculation and admission requirements of Graduate Studies are in the section “Graduate Admission” of the Graduate Bulletin.
Eighteen (or 36) credits over one year (or two years) are required for the advanced certificate in music performance. The duration of study depends on a student’s level of ability 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.
Music 6791X and 6792X (Adv. Performance I & II); 6813X (Repertory Study for Major Instrument or Voice, taken both semesters); two courses from Music 7700X (Opera Workshop), 7760X (Orchestra), or 7770X (Wind Ensemble); two courses chosen from Music 7740X or Music 7741X (Chamber Music or Contemporary Music Ensemble); two courses chosen from Music 7441 (Intro. Music Business & Marketing), Music 7840 (Seminar in Performance Practices) or a department-approved 7000-level Music course.
Music 6793X and 6794X (Adv. Performance III & IV); 6813X (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 is needed from the department exempting you from this requirement only if you are a pianist; two courses chosen from Music 7740X or Music 7741X (Chamber Music or Contemporary Music Ensemble); two courses chosen from Music 7441 (Intro. Music Business & Marketing), Music 7840 (Sem. 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 6791X and 6793X). 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 6792X and 6794X).
Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.
401s Whitehead Hall E: alewis@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.5000, ext. 2649
Or contact:
222 West Quad Center 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210 E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.4536
Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:
BC Admissions Appointment Tool
Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in the Conservatory of Music offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the music performance advanced certificate program access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:
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