Professional Studies - Music Certificate (Graduate)

Prepare for a career as a soloist or as an ensemble performer with the Professional Studies - Music Certificate (Graduate) in Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. This highly specialized, 18-credit, full-time certificate program is specifically tailored to provide rigorous training in one performance area for students who already perform at the post-master’s level or who seek training for professional development. Over one year, you’ll focus solely on your instrument through private lessons and elective courses chosen based on your individual needs.

The program’s curriculum integrates a conservatory approach so you study the advanced techniques and pedagogy necessary for a career in opera or voice, or to play in an orchestra or symphony.  

You can choose from instrumental disciplines such as brass, cello, classical guitar, double bass, historical keyboard instruments, opera, percussion, piano, viola, violin and woodwinds, as well as opera or voice. Refine your musicianship, and understand the demands and requirements of a career in music. You’ll collaborate with other students as part of your ensemble experience with coursework that includes electives in music theory, music history or performance practice. Learn more about the curriculum for your discipline.

Guided by award-winning faculty members, more than half of whom hold seats within the Philadelphia Orchestra, you’ll receive hands-on, specialized instruction to help shape your future career in music. As part of Temple’s Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, Professional Studies Graduate Certificate students have access to state-of-the-art performance, recording and rehearsal facilities, including Presser Hall and the Temple Performing Arts Center.

Classes and Curriculum

Courses vary depending on instrument for the Professional Studies Certificate program, although the curriculum for each comprises significant performance experience.

In the Brass, Classical Guitar, Double Bass, Percussion and Woodwinds curriculum, courses include

  • Instrumental Ensembles, and two terms of
  • Professional Studies in Applied Music.

In the Cello, Viola and Violin curriculum, courses include

  • Instrumental Ensembles,
  • Orchestral Repertoire, and two terms of
  • Professional Studies in Applied Music.

In the Historical Keyboard, Piano and Voice curriculum, courses include

  • Ensemble, Accompanying, Literature or Repertoire, and two terms of
  • Professional Studies in Applied Music.

In the Opera curriculum, courses include

  • Opera Role Preparation and
  • Opera Vocal Lessons.

Learn more about courses in the Professional Studies Certificate program.

Careers

The Professional Studies Graduate Certificate program is tailored to provide students with the advanced performance experience necessary to pursue a career in music. Graduates are prepared for careers as solo musicians or as key players in ensembles and orchestras.

Career Services

As a Temple student, you can also visit the University’s Career Center for support during your job or internship search. Drop in for a short visit or schedule a 30-minute coaching session to discuss components of your professional profile, including your résumé and LinkedIn presence.

Career services can provide

Learn more about Temple’s Career Center.

Woman in a chair holding a clarinet.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Graduate Certificate offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,187.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,583.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Boyer Scholarships

Tuition scholarships are available for Professional Studies Certificate students. However, graduate assistantships, including academic internships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships, are not available. All awards are highly competitive and based on a record of academic and artistic excellence.

For more information, contact

Edward Flanagan, associate professor and associate dean for student affairs. 
Phone: 215-204-8301
Email: edward.flanagan@temple.edu

Ensembles

Additional information

BC-PFST-GRPM

Additional Program Information