Artist Diploma
The TCU School of Music Artist Diploma applications for Fall 2025 opens September 1, 2024.
TCU’s artist diploma provides intensive study and performance opportunities under the guidance of master teachers in preparation for a performance career. This program accepts only the most advanced and gifted performers who demonstrate serious potential to become concert artists through their performance and credentials.
The artist diploma is a 2.5-year program in Piano; two-year in Voice/Opera, Winds/Percussion, and Strings. The artist diploma is only available in a post-baccalaureate track.
An audition is required. Admission to the program is allowed only upon the recommendation of the appropriate applied studio faculty and the approval of the School of Music director.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to maintain satisfactory academic progress in this program.
Learn more about the areas of study at TCU.
For more information about the Artist Diploma program at TCU, contact:
Kayla Maciel
Coordinator, Music Admissions
Text/Call: 817-257-4742
Email:k.l.maciel@tcu.edu
General Admission Requirements
Step 1: Apply to TCU Graduate Studies
Step 2: Apply to TCU School of Music
Please note: You do not need to wait for an admission decision from TCU before starting your Accept’d music application. We encourage you to move forward with both applications promptly to ensure timely consideration.
As part of your application, the following items are required:
- Personal Statement: One-page personal statement that discusses your musical experience and vocational goals and how TCU’s program can help you achieve those goals.
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts of all colleges attended must be uploaded with your CollegeNet university application. An English translation of all International transcripts is also required. We do not provide this service. DO NOT mail official transcript at this time. The School of Music does not require official transcripts unless you are admitted or are requesting an exemption to International English Proficiency Scores. *Transcripts/Graduation Certificates may be sent in an electronic format using a service such as National Student Clearinghouse. Preferred method for all official transcripts is electronic sent via an official electronic transcript service from each issuing institution directly to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu
- Three Letters of Reference: Three names of persons qualified to comment on the applicant’s academic musical achievement, teaching and/or professional experience, and potential for success in the degree program. These will be requested electronically through the School of Music Graduate Admission/Audition Request Application on Acceptd. You will need to supply the e-mail address of each reference for this option at the time of application (but not the letters themselves).
- CV/Resume: Include performances, compositions, publications, & other musical accomplishments uploaded in Accept’d
- Audition Video/Recording: Pre-screening video performance for review; those that qualify receive an invitation to perform a live audition or to submit an audition video. For more information about pre-screening videos, please scroll down page and select “Artist Diploma Audition Requirements”.
- English Proficiency Test Scores (International applicants only): All international applicants must submit a TOEFL or English proficiency exam score. Those scoring below a 75 (TOEFL) will be required to interview with a faculty committee in the area, either in person, or via Zoom or Skype, as a part of the admissions decision. Exceptions to this requirement are if the student has completed (or will before matriculation to TCU) an undergraduate degree from a US institution or from a university where English is the language of instruction. To request consideration for this exemption, submit official final or most current transcript using the directions below and indicate exemption request on Accept’d music application when prompted. Translations must be provided for all international transcripts.
- December 1 – Preferred Deadline
*Those who complete both Accept’d and TCU Graduate Studies applications and have all materials submitted by December 1 will be given priority scheduling if invited to audition. For full audition invitation and admission consideration, all application materials must be received by December 1. Optimal consideration for possible tuition waivers will be given to applications completed fully with ALL supporting materials received by December 1.
- January 15 – Regular Deadline
*Those who complete both Accept’d and TCU Graduate Studies applications and have all materials submitted by January 15 will be reviewed but may not be guaranteed their preferred audition date and time if invited to audition.
- February 1 – Final Deadline
*Those who complete both Accept’d and TCU Graduate Studies applications and have all materials submitted by February 1 are not guaranteed to be reviewed before the final audition date below.
In-Person Audition Dates:
January 24
January 31
February 7
Virtual Audition Dates:
Arranged at a later date with the Coordinator of Admissions if approved by faculty- in-person auditions preferred
TCU is committed to providing a positive learning, living and working environment free from discrimination and harassment. As a result, TCU prohibits a range of behaviors, including unlawful discrimination, harassment, and related sexual and other misconduct based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, predisposing genetic information, covered veteran status, and any other basis protected by law, except as permitted by law. See TCU’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation.
If you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against during the admissions process, you may report your concerns to TCU’s Office of Institutional Equity. See TCU’s Policy on Responding to Reports of Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation.