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(s), 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 each semester with the Conservatory’s many ensembles and chamber groups, and in solo recitals.
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.
Course Requirements
The Graduate Performance Diploma in Percussion Performance program 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 / M-AP 0509 Applied lessons (12 credits total, 1.5–3 credits each)
- M-EN 0069 Instrumental Ensemble (4 credits total, 1 credit each)
- M-EN 0509 Percussion Ensemble (3 credits total, 1 credit each)
- M-SK 0009 Recital (0 credit, completed two times)
- M-ST 0509 Performance Seminar: Percussion (4 credits total, 1 credit each)
- Xxxxx General electives (1 credit total)
What You Will Learn
The Graduate Performance Diploma in Percussion Performance program features an enhanced focus on training through performance-focused experiences. Upon successful completion of the program, students will:
- perform a wide range of musical styles, genres, and repertoire with a high level of technique and artistry developed in applied instrumental lessons, large and small ensemble experiences, coachings, master classes, and observations;
- analyze instrumental technique to overcome technical challenges, with an ability to communicate the details of that technique to another, as studied in applied lessons;
- develop and foster meaningful artistic collaborations with partners across the musical and artistic spectrum;
- cultivate meaningful connections to the communities in which they teach and perform, informed by their experiences in large and small ensembles, and through special partnership programs at Boston Conservatory; and
- establish an artistic identity that represents their individuality, celebrating music of past and present, and serving as a champion for the future of our industry.
Your Future
Alumni of the Conservatory's percussion and marimba performance programs have won prestigious competitions and are creating fulfilling and dynamic careers in solo, ensemble, and orchestral performance, as well as in arts administration and teaching positions around the country.
Ensembles
- Boston Modern Orchestra Project
- Boston Pops Orchestra
- Kansai Philharmonic
- Malaysian Philharmonic
- New World Symphony
- Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Awards
- Belgium International Marimba Competition
- Concert Artists Guild Competition
- Houston Symphony Ima Hogg National Young Artist Competition
- International Marimba Competition
- Libertango International Music Competition
- Montreal Symphony Standard Life Competition
- Percussive Arts Society Marimba Competition
- Prix d'Europe
- Southern California Marimba Competition
- Tromp International Percussion Competition
- World Marimba Competition
- Young Concert Artists Competition
Faculty Appointments
- Berklee College of Music
- Hochshule fuer Musik–Detmold (Germany)
- James Madison University
- University of Evansville
- University of Oregon
- Winchester Community Music School
How to apply
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