Composition, Graduate Professional Diploma

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Graduate Professional Diploma

Students of exceptional ability who wish to concentrate on professional development with a minimum of academic requirements may apply for admission to the Graduate Professional Diploma (GPD) program. A baccalaureate or equivalent degree or certificate from a recognized institution is required for admission.

Normally, the GPD requires a residence of two years and a minimum of 24 earned credits. Full-time course load: 6 to 9 credits per semester. The Graduate Professional Diploma must be completed within three years from the date of matriculation.

Concentration in Composition (24–32 credits)

The purpose of this program is to provide intensive study in contemporary compositional techniques and the presentation of new work for those composers who plan to work primarily outside of academia. (For those composers who plan to make teaching their primary focus, an M.M. or D.M.A. degree program is recommended.)

Composition lessons 12 credit(s)
Music technology/computer music 6 credit(s)
Composers seminar 0 credit(s)
Recital 0 credit(s)
Electives (with permission of advisor) 4–12 credit(s)

Additional Information:

At the end of the program of study, the GPD composition candidate must present a portfolio of works in a variety of media—electronic, multimedia, or performance art/dramatic works—for evaluation. The portfolio should represent one concert’s worth of music. A majority of these pieces should have been performed at The Hartt School during the program of study.

Placement Examinations

After acceptance into the Graduate Professional Diploma program, students are required to take an Ear Training Placement Exam. In addition, applicants for the GPD in composition and orchestral conducting are required to take an examination in score reading, keyboard proficiency, and keyboard harmony. Based on the results of the exams, students may be required to take appropriate classes during the first year of graduate study. Students with severe deficiencies may be asked to complete appropriate undergraduate courses.

Academic Electives

A G.P.D. student electing to take courses in music history or music theory must take the graduate placement examinations in history or theory and fulfill the Graduate Music History (or Theory) Review Requirement. HLM 615 is a prerequisite for all graduate courses in music history.