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Artist Diploma Program

musicians playing instruments
Artist Diploma Program

The Artist Diploma Program (ADP) is a two-year course of study for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. The program is designed for young artists who are on the verge of a professional career. Students receive intensive coaching with their studio teacher, attend master classes taught by visiting international performers, and have the opportunity to participate in solo, chamber music, and orchestral performances. The program’s unique performance-oriented curriculum is an attractive alternative to a traditional master’s degree. The ADP is offered in piano, voice, and orchestral instruments.

Piano

Established by Royal Conservatory alumni Ian Ihnatowycz and Marta Witer, The Ihnatowycz Piano Program  makes a significant contribution to the high standards of the academic and performance-based learning opportunities that distinguish The Glenn Gould School. The Program is comprised of The Ihnatowycz Chair in Piano as well as support for the activities of the piano faculty and visiting artists, and funding for piano maintenance and restoration. In addition, the Program supports The Ihnatowycz Prize in Piano, a full-tuition scholarship and living stipend awarded each year to a student in the Bachelor of Music, Performance (Honours)* or ADP piano program.

The two-year Artist Diploma Program-Piano is directed toward exceptionally gifted pianists who exhibit outstanding promise for a solo career. This program provides numerous performance opportunities, as well as time with faculty and guest artists to prepare for major engagements and international competitions.

Voice

The two-year Artist Diploma Program-Voice is directed toward exceptionally gifted singers who exhibit outstanding promise for a professional career. This program provides numerous performance opportunities, including two annual opera productions, and offers time with faculty and guest artists for the preparation of audition material.

Orchestral Instruments

The two-year Artist Diploma Program-Orchestral Instruments is directed toward exceptionally gifted musicians who exhibit outstanding promise for solo, chamber, or orchestral careers. ADP-Orchestral students have numerous opportunities to play in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings; students also participate in the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, which performs challenging major symphonic repertoire and is led by internationally acclaimed guest conductors.
 
New for the 2022-23 academic year:
GGS is excited to announce a new stream (within our ADP for Orchestral Instruments) in Pedagogy. This responds to our exceptional students in the ADP, many of whom will engage in teaching as a part of their professional life, and builds on the Royal Conservatory's strength as a leader in curricular development and teacher training.


Artist Diploma Program (ADP) Admission Requirements

Disciplines: Piano, Voice, and Orchestral Instruments
Level: Post-bachelor
Program Length: 2 years

Academic Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent music conservatory diploma. Additionally, professional work experience is required by all applicants for admission into the program. ADP applicants are also required to provide post-secondary school transcripts. Minimum GPA 2.67 (B- or 70%)
 
Applicants whose first language is not English require an official English language proficiency score on file that meets the minimum guidelines for admission. Please see the required scores here.

Music Requirements

  • A competitive entrance audition of selected repertoire from the published audition repertoire page, including pre-screening recordings for clarinet, cello, piano, violin, and voice applicants
  • Two recommendation letters
  • Current repertoire list
  • Musical resume/CV

**Applicants may only apply for one program per admissions cycle. 

Applicants wishing to be considered for the Rebanks Family Fellowship program should not also make an application for the Artist Diploma Program. 

Likewise, applicants wishing to be considered for the Artist Diploma Program should not also make an application for the Rebanks Family Fellowship program.**

Additional Information

Private Career College key performance indicators are available to view here.

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* The Royal Conservatory of Music has been granted a consent by the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development to offer this program for a seven (7) year term starting October 12, 2017. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions).