Music Performance, Graduate Certificate
This postbaccalaureate program of study is designed for students who wish to focus on an applied curriculum in order to enhance their individual performance skills. According to Graduate College policy, students may pursue certificate programs before or after work on a master's degree. This flexible curriculum allows students to customize much of the coursework to meet their individual performance goals.
Requirements Accordion Open
- Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
- No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
- No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
- A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
- A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
- Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 18 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Performance is to prepare post-baccalaureate students as advanced performers on their principal instrument or voice. Essential skills as solo, chamber, and ensemble musicians are refined through immersive study representing diverse repertoire and literature. Students are prepared to further study at the master's degree and or professional level upon completion of the degree program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Instrumental
- Comprehend, practice, and demonstrate the fundamentals and advanced technical, musical, and artistic development necessary for success on a primary instrument.
- Interpret, distinguish, and demonstrate knowledge of historical performance practices within specific instrumental repertoire.
- Synthesize and employ all musical, technical, and theoretical information gathered in repertoire and performance training to prepare for auditions into professional organizations and/or competitive doctoral programs.
- Classify vocal music repertory within an intellectual and cultural context.
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of appropriate vocal literature within a historical context.
- Comprehend, practice, and demonstrate the fundamentals and advanced technical, musical, and artistic development necessary for success in vocal performance.
- Synthesize and employ all musical, technical, and theoretical information gathered in repertoire and performance training to prepare for auditions into professional organizations and/or competitive graduate programs in the United States.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the .
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Bachelor's degree in music from a regionally accredited institution
- Personal Statement or Essay
- Video or Audio File
- Prospective students pursuing a music performance certificate must submit a 15-20 minute audio/visual recording that demonstrates their skills to the major faculty member in their area before scheduling a live audition (unless prior permission has been attained from the major professor). Please see the website for specific certificate information.
- Video or Audio File
Certificate Requirements
Take the following 18 units:
- (6 units)
- Select one of the following to be taken in the final semester of study (3 units):
- ,
- Electives, such as large ensembles, chamber music, literature, pedagogy, accompanying, or additional private lessons, depending on the individual performance interests of the student. (9 units)
- Due to the brevity of the Graduate Certificate in Performance program, financial assistance through the School of Music is not typically available.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Additional Information
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
