Graduate Artist Certificate
This certificate is one of the newest programs in the School of Music, effective Fall 2006. The graduate Artist Certificate program is a full-time graduate performance program designed to prepare the most talented, outstanding keyboard and string performers for careers as professional performing musicians.
Students accepted into this program must demonstrate the ability to perform advanced repertoire with technical and artistic mastery and have the potential for success at major competitions or auditions for major orchestras, or want to begin a professional career. Students in this program will take courses that build the repertoire, artistry, and performance skills necessary for a professional performer.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants to this program must hold a minimum of the bachelor’s degree or equivalency, and follow the procedures and regulations for applying to the Graduate School of the University and the Graduate Division of the School of Music. (See How to Apply – Graduate.) Required credentials for admission to the School of Music include an application, university application fee, official transcripts of all post-secondary studies, two letters of recommendation, and a repertoire list. Students whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL results of 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or higher to be considered for admission.
Final admission to the program is granted following successful completion of a thirty-minute Artist Certificate admission audition. The audition repertoire should include selections demonstrating the student’s ability to perform in various musical styles. If distance to the audition is a hardship, applicants may submit a thirty-minute videotape/DVD (public performance preferred); the student must also present a live audition before a designated faculty committee during the first semester of residence.
Once accepted, all students are required to take the diagnostic examinations in Musicology, Area Literature, Music Theory, and Ear Training before registering for courses. The examinations are given at the beginning of each semester. Each entering student should notify the Graduate Secretary to indicate the semester that s/he intends to enter and take the examinations.
Program of Study
Concentrations are available in String and Keyboard performance.
To receive the Artist Certificate, the student must successfully complete an Artist Certificate curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. The curriculum is centered on intensive activities related to performance, including private lessons, large and small ensembles, recitals, and courses in area literature, performance practices, and repertoire. Courses chosen for music electives should be lecture courses. All required recitals are to be performed in public with a committee of the School of Music faculty in attendance.
Enrollment for a minimum of two semesters is required, with a maximum of two years allowed for completion of the program. The School of Music may require additional hours. All course requirements must be completed at the University of Tennessee.
Artist Certificate in Music – Concentration in String Performance
| Courses | Hours | Credits |
| Private Instruction | 2 | 2 |
| Symphony Orchestra (1) | 1 | 1 |
| Chamber Music Ensemble | 1 | 1 |
| Area Literature | 3 | |
| Music Electives (2) | 6 | |
| Graduate Recitals | 2 | |
TOTAL |
19 |
1) Ensemble Participation is required during each semester of residence.
2) Classes chosen to fulfill the music electives requirements should be lecture courses to be determined with the program adviser.
Artist Certificate in Music – Concentration in Keyboard Performance
| Courses | Hours | Credits |
| Private Instruction | 3 | 3 |
| Chamber Music Ensemble (1) | 1 | 1 |
| Area Literature | 3 | |
| Music Electives (2) | 6 | |
| Graduate Recitals | 2 | |
TOTAL |
19 |
1) Ensemble Participation is required during each semester of residence.
2) Classes chosen to fulfill the music electives requirements should be lecture courses to be determined with the program adviser.
Graduate Links
Contact Information
Associate Director for Graduate Studies
School of Music
University of Tennessee
1741 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: 865-974-3241
Email: musicadmissions@utk.edu