Certificate Program

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Certificate Program

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The Certificate program is a one- or two-year program focusing on private lessons, performance classes, and humanities courses at the undergraduate level.

Who It's For

The Certificate is designed as an entry point for the Bachelor of Music degree program for students who have not met the minimum English proficiency score for the Bachelor of Music. The first year of the Certificate will be an immersion in English language learning in preparation for entering the Bachelor of Music program beginning the second year. With credits from the Certificate year transferring into the Bachelor of Music, the student will complete the degree within four years. Should a student choose not to transfer to the Bachelor of Music program, or they have not met the requirements for English proficiency, the second year of the Certificate program is meant as an intensive study of their instrument through ensemble playing and performance opportunities.

Learn More

For more information on the Advanced Certificate program, please contact Admissions.

You may find statistic and disclosure information on all non-degree programs on our Gainful Employment page.

Programs and Requirements

The required courses below are provided as a guideline only. Please consult the current Core Curriculum Requirements for more information.

Curriculum: Certificate in Brass Performance
Credit total: 54

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	4
Ensembles	16
Music History and Literature	0
Applied Practical Training	0
Professional Development	0
Electives	18
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	2

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Brass at SFCM.

Curriculum: Certificate in Composition
Credit total: 48

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	0
Ensembles	4
Music History and Literature	0
Applied Practical Training	4
Professional Development	0
Electives	24
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	2

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Composition at SFCM.

Curriculum: Certificate in Guitar Performance
Credit total: 51

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	3
Ensembles	8
Music History and Literature	4
Applied Practical Training	2
Professional Development	4
Electives	14
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	2

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Guitar at SFCM.

Curriculum: Certificate in Harp Performance
Credit total: 57

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	4
Ensembles	19
Music History and Literature	0
Applied Practical Training	0
Professional Development	0
Electives	18
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	2

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Harp at SFCM.

Curriculum: Certificate in Percussion Performance
Credit total: 54

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	4
Ensembles	16
Music History and Literature	0
Applied Practical Training	0
Professional Development	0
Electives	18
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	2

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Percussion at SFCM.

Curriculum: Certificate in Piano Performance
Credit total: 51

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	3
Ensembles	14
Music History and Literature	0
Applied Practical Training	0
Professional Development	0
Electives	18
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	2

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Piano at SFCM.

Curriculum: Certificate in String Performance
Credit total: 58

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	4
Ensembles	20
Music History and Literature	0
Applied Practical Training	0
Professional Development	0
Electives	18
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	4

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Strings at SFCM.

Curriculum: Certificate in Vocal Performance
Credit total: 48.5

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	4
Ensembles	6
Music History and Literature	0
Applied Practical Training	2.5
Professional Development	0
Electives	20
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	2
Voice Recital Attendance	4 Semesters

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Voice at SFCM.

Curriculum: Certificate in Woodwind Performance
Credit total: 58

Requirement	Cr.
Private Instruction	16
Performance Classes	4
Ensembles	20
Music History and Literature	0
Applied Practical Training	0
Professional Development	0
Electives	18
ESL Course Requirements¹ (ESL/ELL Students Only)	10
Winter Term	1 Year
Juries	2
Woodwind Recital Attendance	4 Semesters

¹ Based on ESL placement exam results, students may be required to take HMS 210-213. ESL Course Requirement credits will count toward fulfilling elective course requirements.

Please consult our current core curriculum catalog for the most up-to-date credit requirements.

Learn more about Woodwinds at SFCM.