Program Overview
After completing an undergraduate or graduate degree in music, students may wish to gain more practical performance experience before pursuing an advanced degree or a career in the industry. Boston Conservatory at Berklee's Graduate Performance Diploma (G.P.D.) is a two-year program that provides concentrated performance training without the academic coursework required of a master's program. Because the G.P.D. program is designed to maximize students' time performing and minimize their time in the classroom, students entering the program are expected to be strong performers and well versed in their knowledge of music. Therefore, an undergraduate degree in music is required to be eligible for enrollment.
Performance Opportunities
G.P.D. students receive weekly personalized lessons with their Conservatory instructor, with an emphasis on performance technique and presence. With ensemble assignments meant to emulate the pacing and rigor of a professional music organization, students perform continually throughout the semester with the Conservatory's many large and small ensembles and chamber groups, in pit orchestras for dance, opera, and theater productions, and in solo recitals and special auditioned groups.
Additionally, students are encouraged to take advantage of the Conservatory's prime location in Boston by auditioning for local ensembles and participating in music festivals and competitions. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to build real-world experience and strong professional networks.
Program Requirements (Instrumental)
The Graduate Performance Diploma in Contemporary Classical Music Performance requires students to complete 24 credits, consisting of the course requirements listed below. View the Sample Curriculum by Semester for additional details.
- M-AP 0009 Applied lessons (12 credits total, 3 credits each)
- M-EN 0089 Contemporary Classical Music Ensemble (4 credits total, 1 credit each)
- M-ST 0089 Performance Seminar: Contemporary Classical Music (4 credits total, 1 credit each)
- Xxxxx General electives (4 credits total)
Program Requirements (Voice)
The Graduate Performance Diploma in Contemporary Classical Music Performance requires students to complete 24 credits, consisting of the course requirements listed below. View the Sample Curriculum by Semester for additional details.
- M-AP 0009 Applied lessons (12 credits total, 3 credits each)
- M-AP 0701 Vocal coachings (2 credits total, 1 credit each)
- M-EN 0089 Contemporary Classical Music Ensemble (4 credits total, 1 credit each)
- M-ST 0089 Performance Seminar: Contemporary Classical Music (4 credits total, 1 credit each)
- Xxxxx General electives (2 credits total)
What You Will Learn
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Performance Diploma in Contemporary Classical Music Performance program, students will:
- confidently perform repertoire from the last 125 years in a variety of settings, including solo works, chamber music, and large-ensemble compositions;
- improvise in a contemporary aesthetic with a high degree of comfort;
- demonstrate entrepreneurial acumen through organizing, collaborating, and communicating with fellow artists in the creation of performances;
- communicate clearly and effectively as creative musical artists as an outcome of private instruction and artistic collaborations with their peers and guest artists, as well as exposure to a wide variety of contemporary repertoire; and
- demonstrate familiarity with both conventionally notated music as well as music that uses various unconventional notational methods.
How to apply
Gainful Employment Disclosure
