The Professional Performance Certificate (PPC), administered by the Department of Music & Dance through Continuing & Professional Education, offers performing musicians in the early stages of their careers the opportunity for private instruction with the faculty members of the UMass Music Department and for participation in the many small and large ensembles of the Department. The pre-requisite for participation in this program is an undergraduate degree in music or demonstrated equivalent musical training. The purpose of the Certificate program is to provide a concentrated year of artistic development, career preparation, and work experience for aspiring professional musicians.

The Professional Performance Certificate consists of weekly private lessons for a single academic year of two semesters (fall and spring). The student is expected to participate as directed in the ensembles of the UMass Music Department, or (in the case of pianists) in accompanying as directed. The work/study load will be determined by the studio teacher in consultation with the Professional Performance Certificate Committee, which reports to the Chair of the Department. A typical load would include approximately ten contact hours of instruction with faculty (lessons, studio classes, and directed ensembles, opera, chamber music or other collaborative experiences), plus at least thirty hours of individual practice and preparation. As part of this program, students may be asked to travel with UMass Music Department ensembles - sometimes as a required part of ensemble participation and other times as an optional enrichment activity. Study in this program is not awarded academic credit; instead, the student's work and study will be evaluated by the instructor and 14 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded per semester, to those who satisfactorily complete the course requirements. A Certificate will be awarded upon the successful conclusion of the program.

The total tuition fee for the one-year PPC program is $756 per semester for U.S. citizens and $1006 per semester for international students. In special cases, a scholarship may be awarded; however graduate teaching assistantships are not available to PPC students. Housing and all other cost of living expenses are the responsibility of the student.

For information on how to apply please visit: www.umass.edu/music/perf-certificate.php

Or contact: Elizabeth Chang
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