Music Performance Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Certificate
- In-Person
- Greeley
Program Overview
Take your artistry to the next level with UNC’s Graduate Certificate in Performance — an immersive, two-semester program designed for accomplished musicians who want to refine their craft, expand their repertoire, and prepare for professional performance or advanced graduate study.
This highly focused post-baccalaureate certificate offers individualized instruction and performance experience in a wide range of instruments and voice, including strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, voice, and opera. You’ll work closely with UNC’s world-class faculty, receive personalized coaching, and perform in ensembles that challenge and inspire you.
Throughout the program, you’ll:
- Strengthen your solo and ensemble performance skills
- Receive individualized coaching from expert faculty
- Develop targeted goals — such as preparing for professional auditions, competitions, or entry into a graduate degree program
- Showcase your artistry through jury performances and ensemble work
The program requires two consecutive semesters (fall and spring) in residence and completion of 12 credit hours of graduate-level music coursework with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Performance is open to students who demonstrate exceptional musical ability and hold a bachelor’s degree in music (or equivalent diploma).
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE test scores, or by successfully completing Level 7 of UNC’s Intensive English Program. International applicants with a degree from a U.S. institution are exempt from language testing.
All students are required to carry health insurance coverage during their studies.
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Performance, students must:
Complete 12 credit hours of approved graduate-level music coursework
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Demonstrate satisfactory progress in juried performance examinations each semester
- Complete two consecutive semesters in residence (fall and spring) at UNC
Students work closely with a faculty advisor to define individual performance goals — whether that’s preparing for professional auditions, solo recitals, or future graduate studies.
Why Choose UNC for Music?
Performances Annually
UNC's music scene is powerful and thriving. You'll perform alongside accomplished faculty, internationally recognized guest artists and talented students at every level—all in state-of-the-art venues right on campus.
All-Steinway School
You'll play on more than 90 Steinway & Sons pianos throughout our classrooms, practice rooms and performance spaces. UNC was the first public Colorado university and one of only a few schools in the region to earn the prestigious All-Steinway School designation—and we maintain that standard of excellence because you deserve the best instruments for your education.
Graduate Assistantship Positions
Your graduate education shouldn't come with overwhelming debt. UNC offers competitive funding opportunities — including assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships. doctorate without sacrificing your financial future.
Music Audition Requirements
Want to see audition requirements for a certain area? Use the buttons below to see audition requirements for the instrument or area of your choice. Or go back to the School of Music home page.
Brass Collaborative Piano Conducting Jazz Studies Music Composition Music Education Music History & Literature Music Theory Percussion Piano Strings Voice Woodwinds
Have questions? We're Here to Help!
- PVA@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2993
- Frasier Hall