The Artist Diploma curriculum is intended for exceptional performers who hold a master’s degree, conservatory equivalent or professional credentials with appropriate credits in music history and theory.
Specialize In One Of These Focus Areas:
Applicants for the Artist Diploma must complete the same audition requirements as the doctoral level.
| AUDITION GUIDELINES | START TERM |
APPLICATION DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|
| D.M.A. Performance – Conducting | Fall 2025 (August) | January 15, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 (August) | January 15, 2025 |
Admission Requirements
1. Complete the Graduate Application
- All applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements.
- International applicants must comply with all federal regulations governing documentation of financial eligibility in order to obtain an I-20 and visa. Applicants should plan to submit official evaluations and transcripts for initial admission.
2. Application Requirements: Submit the following using the Application Portal by January 15, 2025.
- Unofficial transcripts from all baccalaureate and master’s degree studies, documenting successful (or pending successful) degree completions and a minimum master’s GPA of 3.25. (All post-secondary institutions where a degree or relevant credit has been earned.)
- Applicants can choose to submit unofficial transcripts for initial review. If admitted, the applicant must submit an official transcript for each unofficial transcript upload. See our full policy for more details.
- Upload one copy of the unofficial transcript from each institution attended.
- Admitted applicants must provide official transcripts from each institution from which they previously supplied unofficial transcripts.
- Transcripts from non-U.S. institutions must also be submitted for a course-by-course academic credential evaluation to obtain U.S. equivalency information regarding courses, grades and GPA.
- Curriculum Vitae/Résumé.
- Essay of 500–750 words addressing your interest in the program, the experiences that have contributed to your preparation for further study in your intended field, your research interests (if any) and professional goals.
- Scholarly writing sample that includes citations and a bibliography. All academic style formats (MLA, Chicago, etc.) are accepted.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the applicant’s strengths in the desired area of study.
3. Prescreening Requirements: Firm deadline for prescreening materials submission is January 15, 2025.
Prescreening required: Conducting and Piano
After successful completion of the prescreening, you will be invited for an audition. You will not be able to register for an audition before successfully completing your prescreening.
4. Audition & Interview Requirements: Firm deadline to register for a Graduate Audition is February 1, 2025.
All applicants must successfully pass their Audition and Interview as applicable by program. Audition dates are limited and may fill and close well in advance of the audition date. You will register for your audition through the Application Portal. All audition and interview confirmation materials will be accessible in the Application Portal and sent to the applicant via the email listed on the application. Firm deadline to register for a Graduate Audition is February 1, 2025.
- Friday, February 7, 2025 – Shenandoah Main Campus, Winchester, VA
- Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Virtual Only
For the virtual audition, you will need to submit recorded audition videos following your program guidelines and attend a live virtual interview. - Monday, February 17, 2025 – Shenandoah Main Campus, Winchester, VA
Admission decisions are not made until all application materials are received and the audition has been completed.