Artist Diploma
24 credits
The artist diploma is a highly selective non-degree graduate certificate for the specialized training of the gifted and accomplished performer. The certificate focuses on the practical aspects of music performance: private instruction, solo performance, participation in musical ensembles, chamber music, musicianship skills, and may include nonperformance supportive music courses. Further information is contained in the School of Music Graduate Handbook, available from the School of Music website.
Admission requirements
To be accepted into the artist’s diploma certificate, the applicant must have earned the bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must have an overall grade-point average (GPA) of 2.75 (or 3.0 in the last two years of study).
A live audition, paralleling the graduate-level audition requirements used in existing graduate degree programs, on the Ball State campus is preferred for admission into the program. However, a recent (within one year) live, un-edited DVD recording of a full recital (such as a degree recital or professional recital) may be submitted for admission evaluation. The DVD should be a complete recording of an event with the printed program attached. In the case of an audition on campus, an accompanist fee may be applicable. Other forms of unedited media are acceptable with advance communication with the performance area or studio of concern.
Degree requirements
Applied Study
Required Courses
| MUSP 595 | Performance Career Seminar 1 | 2 |
| MUSP 699 | Independent Study | 1 TO 2 |
| Total Credits: | 4 |
Electives
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.
Total Credits: 24
Recital requirement
Two faculty-adjudicated solo recitals of approximately 50 minutes of music are required. 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 advanced permission of the voice faculty. For jazz, the student will be accompanied by a rhythm section but will be the featured performer throughout.
Additional requirements
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Diploma students will be in residence for a minimum of two semesters (residence is defined as a minimum of 8 credits/semester [may include summer].)
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All requirements for the diploma must be met within a five-year period.
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**Students wishing to take graduate-level courses in theory (MUST) or music history (MUHI) must establish eligibility by passing the theory/history placement tests or successfully completing the review course(s).
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No course with a grade below 2.0 can be counted toward the diploma. Diploma students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0. Students falling below that average will be placed on academic probation and will have one semester in which to bring the GPA up to a 3.0.
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Undergraduate courses may be taken during the course of the diploma program, but will not count toward the required 24 graduate credits. Undergraduate courses not required as prerequisites for the degree will not be covered by assistantship tuition remission.
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No transfer credits from other institutions are allowed.