UConn Music: Providing pathways to graduate education through performance

02 Aug 2018

Are you ready to take your musical talents to the next level?

If so, the University of Connecticut (UConn) is ready to ignite your creativity. Through its distinguished Department of Music and a dynamic array of graduate programs, lifelong collaborations and qualifications are earned.

Performance Certificate Program

For students who want to progress their performance skills and unleash their inner creative, this program provides the perfect graduate pathway.

The Performance Certificate Program gives learners the opportunity to focus on their performing technique, opening aspiring eyes to the possibility of Master’s study.

Within this one-year program, you’ll receive applied lessons with chamber music, ensemble work and a dedicated expert who will help you to prepare for your next graduate venture.

Types of Performer’s Certificates vary from Brass, Conducting, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice and Woodwinds. By granting you the power of choice, you have the freedom to follow your ambitions and enhance your current expertise in the selected subject.

While studying your chosen discipline, the artist-teachers at UConn Music steer you through every module. If you have any trouble with understanding concepts, their professional guidance will pull you through and place you on the right page.

Since the department is based in the US region of New England, you’ll be learning in a close-knit community of international musicians and creatives. Equipped with a content-rich syllabus and engaging performance activities, you’ll benefit from a balanced bled of practice and theory.

Plus, as the UConn Department of Music is an internationally-recognized institution that regularly hosts open house events, incredible masterclasses and concerts, you’ll showcase your passions on a global stage.

Unlike other universities, at UConn you can study English as a second language for free. Through local initiatives, you can refine both your musical and linguistic capabilities.

For specific information about each of the Performer’s Certificates, check out this informative Graduate Handbook.

Master the Art of Music

After achieving a Performer’s Certificate in your chosen subject area, you’ll feel confident and ready to move onto a UConn Music Master’s degree.

The Performer’s program will provide the direction you need to develop your creative mindset and practical experience, but you can continue your professional journey through the Master of Music (M.M) or Master of Arts (M.A) degrees.

For the M.M concentrations, you can choose from Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Instrumental Conducting and Choral Conducting. M.A topics include Historical Musicology and Music Theory.

When reading the curricular outline of these Master’s programs, you’ll soon realize why the Performer’s Certificate is so beneficial.

Most of these specialist routes involve a recital or a graduate performing ensemble, so the understanding gained from the certificate will set you up for success and gives you a head-start in any Master’s course you choose to pursue.

After securing a UConn degree in further musical education, there’s also the possibility of pursuing a Doctoral program.

With the Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A) you can qualify in Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance or Conducting. And with the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), there’s the Music Theory and History route.

It’s important to note that the graduate programs in music are administered jointly by the Music Department and the Graduate School. Therefore, you’ll be advised from the very start of your study adventure to the end of your career. UConn is always on-hand to help.

Lifelong Collaboration and Connection

To discover the academic and musical connection UConn students gain for their programs, Study International reached out for some first-hand testimonials:

Sarah: “The Performer’s Certificate is a unique program because it allows students to continue studying their instrument and gain valuable performing opportunities in the operas and ensembles. Without the rigorous credit load of an undergrad or graduate program, Performer’s Certificate students can dedicate more time to practicing their instruments and refining their performance skills.”

Source: UConn Department of Music

Brandon: “UConn has provided me with a solid musical foundation which will lead me to a successful music career. There have been many opportunities within ensembles to perform with world-class, award-winning musicians and there have also been outreach opportunities within the local community and beyond. This has pushed my musical potential and professional portfolio to even greater heights.”

Olga: “The music scene at UConn is fascinating. We have world renowned artists coming to play here at the School of Fine Art in the von der Medhen Hall and the Jorgensen Center. I believe it’s essential for an inspiring musician to have the opportunity to listen and watch the performances of professional musicians. But with so much work going on constantly, after only a couple of months a young performer can grow into a professional musician.”

By collaborating with the UConn Department of Music and directing your talents towards their respected programs, you’ll not only retune your skills, but also excel in your artistic, creative and innovative endeavors.

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