Advanced Certificate in Performance Advanced Certificate in Performance
Overview
What to expect
The Advanced Certificate in Performance provides rigorous, focused professional training for candidates wishing to pursue a career in music performance. Students engage in a one-year program of intensive, post-undergraduate study.
Why it stands out
The program has a decades-long track record of training exceptional musicians. In partnership with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, and other professional organizations, it offers students ample opportunities to train with distinguished professional musicians.
Who it's for
Curious and motivated performers with an interest in furthering their performance practices and who already possess a Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent are ideal participants in this program. Classical and Baroque performance streams are available.
Overview
Opportunities for study
Students learn from leading scholars and musicians and gain invaluable experience playing in large and small ensembles. They emerge as more complete and better-informed musicians.
Paid professional work both on and off campus is facilitated through our Music Booking Office.
Opportunities after graduation
Program graduates typically pursue careers as musicians or go on to further study.
My time at the University of Toronto was filled with new connections, invaluable performance opportunities, and challenges essential for my personal and musical growth. After completing my Master’s degree, I sought to broaden my network and refine my musicianship. The one-year ACP was exactly what I was looking for.
The brass department at U of T features a faculty of dedicated, knowledgeable professionals who offer genuine support and guidance. They go above and beyond to ensure students have the resources and opportunities to succeed, whether through helping them gain real-world experience or inviting renowned guest artists and ensembles for concerts and masterclasses. The high standard of playing among students, paired with healthy competition, fosters a motivating and collaborative learning environment.
During my ACP, every course I took was performance-focused. From playing in ensembles—such as the wind ensemble, brass ensemble, chamber, and trumpet ensembles—to courses on performance skills and adjudication, the curriculum was comprehensive and practical.
My experience at U of T not only helped me grow as a musician but also equipped me with the tools, connections, and confidence to advance my career. The skills, friendships, and knowledge I gained will remain with me for a lifetime.
– Olivia Callahan
Advanced Certificate in Performance 2023 - Trumpet
My year in the ACP program was one of the most productive years of musical growth I had ever experienced. After my undergraduate degree, I wanted a year to really give myself the time to focus on my ability as a musician and as a performer. The ACP program at U of T puts itself perfectly on the line of maintaining structure through private instruction while also allowing the ideal amount of room for personal accountability, and giving the students lots of crucial time for practicing.
– Jacob Valcheff
Bachelor of Music 2020 - Music Education (Percussion) Advanced Certificate in Performance 2021 - Percussion Master of Music in Performance 2023 - Percussion
The certificate consists of a tightly defined program of core courses for each of its two streams. Subjects include applied music, ensemble and chamber music, and performance oriented music electives.
My time at the University of Toronto was filled with new connections, invaluable performance opportunities, and challenges essential for my personal and musical growth. After completing my Master’s degree, I sought to broaden my network and refine my musicianship. The one-year ACP was exactly what I was looking for.The brass department at U of T features a faculty of dedicated, knowledgeable professionals who offer genuine support and guidance. They go above and beyond to ensure students have the resources and opportunities to succeed, whether through helping them gain real-world experience or inviting renowned guest artists and ensembles for concerts and masterclasses. The high standard of playing among students, paired with healthy competition, fosters a motivating and collaborative learning environment.During my ACP, every course I took was performance-focused. From playing in ensembles—such as the wind ensemble, brass ensemble, chamber, and trumpet ensembles—to courses on performance skills and adjudication, the curriculum was comprehensive and practical.My experience at U of T not only helped me grow as a musician but also equipped me with the tools, connections, and confidence to advance my career. The skills, friendships, and knowledge I gained will remain with me for a lifetime.– Olivia Callahan
My year in the ACP program was one of the most productive years of musical growth I had ever experienced. After my undergraduate degree, I wanted a year to really give myself the time to focus on my ability as a musician and as a performer. The ACP program at U of T puts itself perfectly on the line of maintaining structure through private instruction while also allowing the ideal amount of room for personal accountability, and giving the students lots of crucial time for practicing.– Jacob Valcheff
