Music Performance Certificate
This program is designed for post-baccalaureate music students who wish to concentrate primarily on their performance skills as they prepare for entry into graduate programs, competitions, auditions, or performing positions without being enrolled in a degree program. The certificate program focuses almost exclusively on developing performance skills through private instruction, collaborative and ensemble performances, and solo recitals. The certificate does not carry the privileges of a college degree.
For international students who lack adequate English competency, the program will focus on music performance and English studies in tandem. International students who have sufficient English skills may continue to concentrate on English language skills in tandem with the Performance Certificate.
Areas of Study: Flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, piano (collaborative and solo).
This is a one-year program in which students must be enrolled in applied lessons and a large ensemble during each semester of residency. Students may only be in residence during fall and spring semesters. Students must complete the program within five years. Students may choose to remain in the certificate program for two years of residency.
Students must earn at least a 3.0 grade point average during each semester of study and demonstrate satisfactory progress at the end-of-semester jury or recital examination in order to remain in the program. Additionally, no more than three hours of credit with a grade of C may be applied toward the certificate.
Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours earned in the Performance Certificate program into APSU’s Master or Music program following a successful audition into said program and with approval of the appropriate applied music faculty and the Graduate Committee. Students may not transfer credit from another institution into the Performance Certificate. Acceptance into the Performance Certificate does not automatically constitute admission to the College of Graduate Studies.
Students may enroll in one graduate level course each semester that supports their career aspirations. This may include classes such as TOEFL, music entrepreneurship, Alexander Technique, music literature, or pedagogy.
A live audition is strongly recommended. For international students and other applicants who are unable to visit campus, a video recording (single camera) audition is acceptable. Videos, of approximately 15 minutes may be submitted by providing a YouTube link or mailing a DVD. Those who submit a video audition must also complete a telephone/Skype interview. While there is no English language proficiency requirement, international applicants must demonstrate through the interview that they have functional English.
To schedule your live audition, complete the online graduate audition request form.
- Send YouTube links via email to the music department's graduate program coordinator at fosterk@apsu.edu, and to the applied instructor in your primary performance area.
- Or, submit your DVD by USPS to:
Department of Music
Graduate Coordinator
Austin Peay State University
P.O. Box 4625
Clarksville, TN 37044
Audition requirements for the Performers Certificate are the same as the Master of Music in Performance.
Applicants must provide the following for admittance:
- Completed College of Graduate Studies Application. Select “Graduate-Special/Non Degree" on the application
- One-time, non-refundable $25.00 application fee
- Official transcript showing conferment of Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Three letters of recommendation
International students must also provide the following:
- Completed College of Graduate Studies Application. Select “Graduate-Special/Non Degree on the application.
- $25.00 Application Fee (in bank draft or US check payable to Austin Peay State University).
- International students must submit official TOEFL scores.
- You must also provide immunization records to APSU Health Services. Please visit Health Services to review a list of required immunizations and downloaded immunization forms. Contact Health Services at 931.221.7107 with questions.
If you are an international student, you can pursue the performance certificate with an F-1 visa only if you are enrolled in full time ESL courses or other degree program.
For more information, contact internationaladmission@apsu.edu or visit www.apsu.edu/international
In each semester, students will enroll in private instruction (4 credits), an appropriate large ensemble or equivalent (1 credit), and chamber music (1) or elective (3) as outlined in the University Bulletin. A recital is required during the last semester of private instruction. If opting for a 2-year certificate, two recitals may be performed. The first recital should take place during the second semester of private instruction and the second shall be during the last semester of private instruction.
Students may enroll in one additional graduate level course each semester that supports their career aspirations. This may include classes such as ESL, music theory or history, music literature, pedagogy, diction, music entrepreneurship, or Alexander Technique. Students enrolling in music theory or history classes are required to pass the Graduate Entrance Exam prior to enrolling in those courses.
Tuition and Fees are set by the university. Additional information is available from the College of Graduate Studies
Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships are not available for students in the certificate program.
Please contact an appropriate applied faculty via email with specific questions you may have regarding the audition materials. Their information can be found at https://www.apsu.edu/music/facstaff/faculty.php.