Application Checklist
Application and Fees
Due December 1†
Submit application with all supplemental materials* and non-refundable application fee of $85. Application link at the bottom of this page.
Statement of Purpose
Due: December 1
Students in the Artist Diploma (AD) are immersed in a program uniquely tailored to their goals and aspirations as articulated in their Statement of Purpose.
The Statement of Purpose is an integral and extremely important part of their initial application materials. The Statement will assist the faculty in determining whether or not the Artist Diploma program is appropriate to the goals and aspirations of a given applicant.
In crafting your Statement, please describe in great detail what you expect to accomplish in the program and your long-term professional goals. Typically, the AD program for students in the instrumental track blends experiences in solo, chamber and orchestral performance and conforms to the highest professional standards. Students in the opera track focus primarily on preparations for entering the profession as is also the case for students pursuing a track in conducting. Understanding these different emphases within the AD program should assist you in developing your Statement of Purpose. The Statement should be three pages, double-spaced, at a minimum.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Due: December 10
Three letters of recommendation via the Graduate Application or use the paper version, if necessary.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts attached to the application: Due December 1
Official transcripts with Fall 2026 grades: Due February 1
A cumulative minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required on the Bachelor's transcript. For more information, please see the FAQ section.
Complete Repertoire List
Due: December 1
Instrumentalists: Your repertoire list should include all solo, chamber, and concerto works that you have performed prior to application for the Artist Diploma.
Vocalists: Your repertoire list should include art songs, arias, chamber music, orchestral works, oratorio, opera roles, and scenes that you have performed prior to this application for the Artist Diploma.
Prescreening Submission
Online submission of the prescreening files as directed on the application and as shown on the Audition page.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Due: January 3
Proof of English Language Proficiency. Applicants who are foreign nationals and those whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency*. Performance diplomas or certificates do not suffice as a degree.
This can be shown by any of the following:
- Proof of degree from an accredited U.S. high school, college, or university.
- A qualified TOEFL* score as below:
- For exams taken before January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90
- For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.5
- At least 7 on the IELTS.
- At least 115 on the Duolingo test of English proficiency.
- Proof of completion (or expected completion) of a post-secondary degree from an institution where the official language of instruction is in English**.
* Only the best composite TOEFL score is accepted; my Best scores are not accepted. The TOELF ITP Plus is not accepted.
** For more information and the list of countries and/or universities where the official language of instruction is English, please Click Here. Any questions about how to prove English Language Proficiency should be directed to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Admissions Office