Artist Certificate in Performance
Program | Admission | Audition | Costs | Application
The College of Charleston's Artist Certificate in Performance is a two-year, advanced program of study that addresses the needs of musicians who have completed their music training at the undergraduate level but desire to continue their studies while preparing for professional performance careers.
Flexibility within the curriculum will address the music needs of each individual. The Artist Certificate in Performance's requirements, however, will ensure a consistency of subject matter that will enable students to demonstrate individual growth in artistry and technical performance. The program will place emphasis on private lessons, practice, ensemble participation, and preparation for a professional career.
Apprenticeship candidates will be expected to complete at least two years in full-time residence/participation in the program, which will be offered as a continuing education program and will be non-credit.
Program Requirements
Each semester during a standard two-year, full-time residency, apprentices seeking the College of Charleston's Artist Certificate in Performance will be required to follow a discipline-focused curriculum. Apprentices will be required to present a solo recital, perform a major operatic role, or perform a concerto with an orchestra in each semester. Other responsibilities may be linked to faculty research.
All apprentices in the program will be expected to perform for College of Charleston functions as required by their faculty.
Admission Requirements
Apprentices participating in the program will have completed a bachelor's degree, though in exceptional instances apprentices holding a high school diploma may be accepted into the program. All applicants will be required to demonstrate exceptional performing ability as observed by the program faculty. All applicants will be required to audition for admission.
If an applicant wishes to take courses for credit, he or she will be required to meet all admissions requirements of the College of Charleston for its undergraduate/graduate programs.
Audition Requirements
Applicants from North America will be requested to audition for admission to the program in person at the College of Charleston. All other applicants will be able to audition by videotape, but those persons will be required to audition in person during the first week of the semester in order to confirm their acceptance.
Audition repertoire will consist of a full recital program of approximately sixty minutes of music which reflects the applicant's knowledge of successful programming and includes a variety of stylistic periods. The recital program must be performed by memory, but a demonstration of sight-reading ability may be required of the applicant.
Costs
Apprentices admitted into the Artist Diploma in Performance will receive private lessons and mentorship in exchange for their participation in ensembles and performances at College of Charleston functions.
Apprentices will be responsible for covering all costs associated with any for-credit courses in which they enroll. The costs for such courses will be based on the College of Charleston's current fee schedule.
Apprentices will be responsible for covering all costs associated with travel to and from Charleston, housing, board, and other personal expenses.