This two-year program is reserved for advanced performers who have completed academic degrees or their foreign equivalent and whose accomplishments have already been amply demonstrated in various performance venues. Artist Diploma students devote most of their time perfecting their performance skills with private lessons from an artist teacher, many who are members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Performance in large ensembles and chamber music groups rounds out their musical studies, as they expand their solo and ensemble repertoire, and prepare for auditions with renowned professional ensembles. This program is flexible and personalized to address the specific needs of the professionally advanced student. The curricular structure generally consists of a balance each semester among Applied Music, Ensemble and Chamber Music performance and public recitals.
Learning Outcomes for the Artist Diploma
Students complete a rigorous series of three recitals, one each semester during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters of the two-year program. Students must demonstrate a high level of musical achievement on these recitals. Requirements include performances of standard solo and orchestral repertoire, including orchestral excerpts for professional audition purposes.
Expected September 2026
Mary Pappert School of Music
600 Forbes Ave,
PITTSBURGH,
Pennsylvania,
15282, United States
Graduate applicants must have completed an adequate undergraduate preparation in music; normally, a bachelor's degree in music from an institution of recognized standing, a college-level conservatory diploma, or its foreign equivalent. The minimum overall quality point average must be 2.5 and at least 3.0 in music courses ("A" grade = 4.0).
English language requirement: IELTS - minimum score of 6.5; TOEFL - Internet based: 80.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
