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 2024 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.
Test for English Proficiency
Due: January 3
A test score for English proficiency is required if your previous degree is not from a U.S. institution or your native language is not English. The Shepherd School requires 90 on the iBT, 115 on the Duolingo Test of English Proficiency OR 7.0 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Please see the FAQ section for more information.