Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the Certificate Program in Music Performance an applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution, and must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work.

Applicants must present an audition demonstrating an exceptional level of performance ability. Audition requirements are determined by the individual studio.

A live audition on Western Michigan University’s campus is required for unconditional acceptance into the program; however, a recent high-quality video recording may be submitted for conditional acceptance. A student admitted conditionally must perform a live audition before the end of the first semester of study in order to continue in the program.

The completion of Graduate Program Reference forms by three individuals.

Applicants must submit a Graduate Admissions Application through the Office of Admissions.

International students must apply through International Admissions and Services.

Program of Study

• MUS 6000 - Applied Music Credits: 1 to 4 hours

• Credits: 6 hours needed

• MUS 6900 - Graduate Recital Credits: 2 hours

• Credits: 4 hours needed (two recitals)

Additional Requirements

1. Certificate students must be in residence for a minimum of two semesters.
2. The program is designed to be completed in one year; the maximum amount of time allowed by Western Michigan University for the completion of any graduate certificate program is six years.
3. Students wishing to take graduate-level courses in theory and/or history must establish eligibility by passing the Graduate Entrance Examination in those areas, or successfully completing the appropriate review courses.
4. Undergraduate courses may be taken but will not count toward the required 16 hours of graduate credit.
5. No transfer credits from other institutions are allowed.