The Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance (GACMP) is a non-degree, post-baccalaureate program offering two years of intensive study in music performance. It is designed for exceptionally talented performers pursuing professional careers who do not wish to complete the academic requirements of a graduate degree.

Areas of study include woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, voice, piano, collaborative piano, organ, opera, and jazz.

All UNT graduate academic certificates are at the post-baccalaureate level. The GACMP must be completed within 24 months. For more information, visit the GAC Gainful Employment website

GAC Handbook

Application Process

Two separate applications are required:

1. Application to the UNT Toulouse Graduate School

  • Apply for admission to the Toulouse Graduate School. A non-refundable application fee is required.

  • After submitting your application, you will receive an email with your EUID and password. Follow the instructions to activate your EUID, which you’ll need to proceed with the College of Music application.

2. Application to the College of Music

  • Apply through the College of Music website.

  • Preference is given to applications received by the first Monday in December. Later applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on space availability.

  • No application fee is required for the College of Music.

  • As part of the application, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three individuals who will provide their recommendations.

  • Only completed applications will be reviewed.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.

  • Degrees should typically be in an area related to the GAC. Exceptions must be approved by the Graduate Council of the College of Music.

  • Applicants must meet the GPA requirements for admission to the Toulouse Graduate School, as outlined in the Graduate Catalog.

International Applicants

  • International students must submit a TOEFL score or the results of an equivalent English language proficiency test. See English Language Requirements.

  • There is no fixed minimum score for admission to the GACMP program.

Audition Requirements

  • A live audition is preferred and will last approximately 30 minutes.

  • Applicants should prepare a full-length recital, from which the audition committee will select repertoire.

  • If a live audition is not possible, applicants may submit a video recording (e.g., via YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) as part of the College of Music application.

  • Recorded auditions must also include a full-length recital.

Enrollment
  • All students accepted into the program must enroll in designated performance courses totaling a minimum of nine graduate credit hours each long semester.
  • For students whose first language is not English, language proficiency will be evaluated based on the needs of the program. The College of Music reserves the right to require enrollment in the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) if additional English study is deemed necessary.
Advising
  • Each student will have an advisory committee composed of the major professor (private music instructor), the appropriate applied division chair, and the Director of Graduate Studies.
Scholarships
  • While scholarships are not reserved specifically for students in the Graduate Artist Certificate in Music Performance program, the College of Music offers a number of competitive scholarships for outstanding performers.
  • Students who meet the high admission standards of this program are strong candidates for scholarship consideration. Recipients of these scholarships qualify for in-state tuition rates, regardless of their state or country of residence.

Course Requirements Summary (32-36 hours)

  • Performance Study (private/applied lessons), 16 hours
  • Recitals, 12 hours
  • Laboratory participation (not required for keyboard performers*), 2-4 hours
  • Chamber Music (not required for vocal performers**), 2-4 hours

*Collaborative piano majors must take a minimum of 4 hours selected from the approved list of laboratories and/or chamber music courses

**Singers may substitute one major opera role for each of two recitals with prior approval of the major professor and the Chair of the Graduate Artist Certificate program.

Required Course Descriptions

Applied Lessons
  • Private lessons in the major instrument or voice, 16 credits (4 credits/semester)
  • MUAM 55XX Applied Music. (For those who have completed a Bachelors degree or its equivalent, or MUAM 65XX Applied Music. (For those who have completed a Master's/Doctorate or its equivalent)
Recitals
  • Four recitals are required, one each long semester, for a total of 12 hours
  • MUGC 5941, 5942, 5943, 5944 - 3 credit hours each. For those who have completed a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent, or MUGC 6941, 6942, 6943, 6944 - 3 credit hours each. For those who have completed a Master's or Doctorate or its equivalent.
  • Four full-length recitals are required, and will be adjudicated by at least three members of the applied music faculty to include
    1. the major professor,
    2. one member of the area faculty, and
    3. a member of the applied music faculty either from the area or from the applied faculty at large.
  • Other performances may be recommended for substitution by the major professor and approved by the Graduate Artist Certificate Advisory Committee.
  • For more information, please see the GAC Handbook.
Chamber Music

 (2-4 hours) to be selected from:

  • MUCM 5510, String Chamber Music. 1 hour
  • MUCM 5520, Woodwind Chamber Music. 1 hour
  • MUCM 5530, Brass Chamber Music. 1 hour
  • MUEN 5617, Percussion Ensemble. 1 hour
  • MUCM 5550, Jazz Chamber Music. 1 hour
  • MUEN 5530, Collegium Singers. 1 hour
Laboratories

(2-4 hours) to be selected from:

  • MUEN 5040, Opera Theatre. 1 hour
  • MULB 5171, Choir. 1 hour
  • MULB 5172, Orchestra. 1 hour
  • MULB 5173, Band. 1 hour
  • MULB 5174, Jazz Lab Band. 1 hour
  • MULB 5175, Accompanying. 1 hour
  • MUEN 5530, Baroque Orchestra or Collegium Singers. 1 hour
Sample Schedule

Sample Schedule for each Fall and Spring Semester

  • MUAM 55xx OR 65XX (4 hours credit)
  • MUGC 5941 OR 6941 (3 hours credit)
  • MUCM 5510 (1 hour credit)
  • MULB 5172 (1 hour credit)

Certificate Completion

In order to receive your certificate in the semester in which you complete requirements, you must notify the College of Music Graduate Academic Counselor (Chilton Hall 211) by the following dates:

  • Spring: April 15th
  • Summer: July 15th
  • Fall: November 15th

Students are required to file the Graduate Artist Certificate Completion Form by the dates listed above. 

Graduate Artist Certificate Faculty Advisory Committee