Performance Diploma

The Performance Diploma Program is an intensive four-semester (two-year) course of study for musicians who have already achieved a high level of performance and wish to focus on developing their performing skills through further study.

The program provides for concentrated study in appropriate literature with a master teacher, without being enrolled in a degree program. The program features private study as well as chamber music and ensemble experience within the College of Music. In addition, Diploma students are required to perform one recital during each of the two years of enrollment. 

During their time of study, Performance Diploma students concentrate almost exclusively on developing their performing skills. This program recognizes accomplishment but does not carry the privileges of a college degree. Instead, students would likely be preparing for auditions, competitions, or career entry positions.  The full curriculum is available here.

All applicants in classical voice, saxophone, percussion, flute, violin, clarinet and piano must submit a prescreening recording. This recording must be received no later than December 1 (fall applicants). Recordings will be reviewed by a committee beginning the week following the December 1 deadline. You will be notified via email as to whether or not you have been invited for a live audition. The recording quality must be sufficient for us to make a reasonable judgment of your ability. Specific prescreening requirements can be found within the audition section of this website.

University and Music Supplemental Application

After you create your admissions account, you will be asked to select an application type.  You will be creating two applications – the Lifelong Education Application and the College of Music Supplemental Application.  The College of Music Supplemental Application deadline is Dec 1 for Fall applicants, and Oct 1 for Spring applicants.

Personal Statement

In your personal statement, please describe your educational and musical background, goals and objectives, and future career plans. Include any information that you feel would be helpful to the College of Music in making our admission decision. Limit your statement to 300-500 words.

Transcripts

Prior to Dec 1, we allow applicants to upload unofficial copies of all their post-secondary transcripts and diplomas. Admitted students must submit official copies directly from their schools in order to matriculate. For transcripts from schools within the United States and Canada, we prefer electronic delivery from your school’s service, if available. If not, or for schools outside the U.S. or Canada, transcripts and diplomas must be mailed by the institution directly to the College of Music at the address below.

College of Music – Office of Admissions
Michigan State University
333 W Circle Dr, rm 149
East Lansing, MI 48824

Letters of Recommendation

Request letters of recommendation from three individuals familiar with your abilities in this field.  IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Only the Graduate Application requests letters of recommendations.  The College of Music Supplemental Application intentionally does not.  The letters received on the Graduate Application will be copied to the College of Music Application automatically.

Audition Materials

This major requires a successful admissions audition on one of the below-listed disciplines.

Instruments

Bassoon  Cello  Clarinet Collaborative Piano Double Bass Euphonium Flute Harp Horn Oboe Percussion Piano Saxophone Trombone Trumpet Tuba Viola Violin Voice

Jazz Instruments

Double Bass Drums Guitar Piano Saxophone Trombone Trumpet Voice