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.
Course Requirements (Violin/Viola/Cello)
The Graduate Performance Diploma in String 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 Applied lessons (12 credits total; 3 credits each)
- M-EN 0069 Instrumental Ensemble (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-EN 0079 Chamber Music (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-SK 0009 Recital (0 credits; completed two times)
- M-ST 0419 Performance Seminar: Strings (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
Course Requirements (Double Bass)
The Graduate Performance Diploma in String 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 Applied lessons (12 credits total; 3 credits each)
- M-EN 0069 Instrumental Ensemble (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-EN 0079 Chamber Music (2 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-SK 0009 Recital (0 credits; completed two times)
- M-ST 0429 Performance Seminar: Double Bass (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
- Xxxxx General electives (2 credits total)
What You Will Learn
The Graduate Performance Diploma in String 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 others, 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
Graduates of the Boston Conservatory’s string performance program enjoy international prestige as competition winners, solo performers, recording artists, and members of acclaimed chamber groups and orchestras. Many have also gone on to establish innovative music programs and new ensembles with the aim of using music to connect with and transform their communities.
Ensembles
- Boston Pops Orchestra
- Boston String Quartet
- Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Chicago Civic Symphony Orchestra
- Florida Orchestra
- Fortuna Piano Trio
- iPalpiti Artists International
- Meccorre String Quartet
- National Repertory Orchestra
- New World Symphony
- Sarasota Opera Orchestra
- Singapore Symphony
- Tessera String Quartet
- Vancouver Symphony
- Welsh National Opera Orchestra
- The Young Eight
Fellowships
- Aspen Music Festival
- Banff Music Festival
- National Orchestra Institute
- Tanglewood Music Center
- The Pacific Music Festival
Faculty Appointments
- Boston Conservatory at Berklee
- Istanbul University State Conservatory
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- University of Nebraska—Omaha
Awards
- American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition
- American String Teachers' Association National Solo Competition
- Banff International String Quartet Competition
- Chamber Music Foundation of New England International Competition
- Massachusetts American String Teachers' Association Solo and Chamber Music Competition
- Premio Paolo Borciani International String Quartet Competition
- Sphinx Competition and Sphinx Virtuosi Tour
- Vittorio Veneto Competition
- Washington International Solo Competition
How to apply
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