UW School of Music : Artist Certificate

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

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Artist Certificate

The Artist Certificate program allows a student to study intensely in music performance.

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Artist Certificate recognizes successful completion of a two-year (four-semester) full-time program of concentrated study in music. It does not lead to a degree.

While the total number of credits (29-34) is approximately equal to most master's degrees in music, the distribution of credits differs significantly. For example, the certificate program requires a substantial number of hours of applied study and rehearsals, comparable to the recognition of laboratory hours in the health and science fields. Certificate students are expected to spend 40-50 hours per week in such activity.

For specific course requirements for each area, see the left-hand column of this page.


Admission Requirements Prospective certificate students are expected to have an undergraduate degree (GPA minimum is 3.25) or the international equivalent. In the absence of a degree, a candidate must have significant additional performance or academic background. This certificate is not available to graduate or undergraduate music performance majors except as post-graduate study. Admission Process The first step in the application process for the Artist Certificate is to gain the recommendation of a professor. We accept live or videotaped auditions. Contact the faculty in your area of interest to make audition arrangements. Complete a Special Student Application (PDF). INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY: Complete a Financial Verification Form and related paperwork. Send original transcripts from institutions you have attended. If the transcripts are in another language, you should also submit a version officially translated into English. The TOEFL is required for students for whom English is not their native language. The exception is students who received an undergraduate degree from an English-speaking university. The minimum TOEFL score acceptable for the Artist Certificate program is 550 (213 on the computer-based test). Request that the faculty member with whom you wish to study send a letter of admission to the address below.

After you apply

After your materials have been received at the School of Music, it may take several months to process them. If you are admitted, you will receive an official letter of admission from the School of Music, and the Special Student Office will send the paperwork you may need to apply for a visa (if you are an international student).

Because this process can take a long time, please consider applying no later than the end of March for the following fall.

Unfortunately, no scholarship or fellowships are available for Artist Certificate students through the School of Music.

When you arrive on campus

International students must check in with the International Student Services Office, 716 Langdon Street, Room 217 (Red Gym). Please take time to read the helpful information on their website.


Contact Information for the Artist Certificate Program Molly Carlson Email: mgcarlson@wisc.edu Phone: (608) 263-4018 Mailing address: School of Music, 3561 Mosse Humanities 455 N. Park Street, Madison, WI 53706