Post-Baccalaureate Artist Residency

Elevate Your Artistry

Join us for a transformative two-year journey.

The College of Charleston's Post-Baccalaureate Artist Residency in Performance program provides a launchpad for recent graduates seeking to refine their performance skills and navigate the path to a professional career or continued graduate studies.

This intensive, two-year non-degree program is designed for exceptional and accomplished musicians who have completed their undergraduate studies but crave further development. Through a customized curriculum, the program addresses the needs of the artist with a focus on technical mastery and captivating performance.

You have the opportunity be a full-time student of music. This program provides concentrated study and practice while preparing you for major competitions, auditions and performances.

Sharpen Your Skills, Expand Your Opportunities:

  • Individualized Instruction: Receive dedicated guidance from esteemed faculty, tailoring your training to your specific needs and aspirations.
  • Performance Ready: Hone your repertoire with a focus on diverse styles and periods, culminating in professional-level public recitals.
  • Career Preparation: Gain invaluable insights and support as you prepare for competitions, graduate school applications and the professional music world.

Program Details

Artist Residency is offered as a continuing education program and is non-credit. Candidates are expected to complete at least two years in full-time residence/participation in the program. After completing the program, certificate students are expected to establish a professional career in music or continue study in graduate school.
  • Program Requirements

    Each semester during a standard two-year, full-time residency, Artist Residency students are required to follow a discipline-focused curriculum.

    • Major Performances: A major performance is required each semester as are jury exams for each of the semesters leading to the final recital. Semester major performances may include performance on a recital, an opera/oratorio role, participation in a major competition or performing a concerto with an orchestra.
    • Performance Participation: All students in the program are expected to perform for College of Charleston recitals, ensemble performances, concerts and functions as required by their instructors.
    • Professional Development: Artist residency students are expected to contribute 10 hours per week of professional development activities supporting the Music Department's programming needs.
  • Admission Requirements

    • Students participating in the program must have completed a bachelor's degree.
    • All applicants will be required to demonstrate exceptional performing ability as observed by the program faculty.
    • All applicants will be required to audition for admission.
    • Acceptance is dependent upon the availability and at the discretion of the area professor. 
    • If an applicant wishes to take courses for credit, he or she will be required to meet all admissions requirements of the College of Charleston for its undergraduate/graduate programs.

  • Audition Requirements

    Applicants from North America must audition for admission to the program in person at the College of Charleston. All other applicants may audition by videotape.

  • Costs

    Students admitted into the Post-Baccalaureate Artist Residency in Performance program will receive private lessons and mentorship in exchange for their participation in ensembles and performances at College of Charleston functions.

    Candidates will be responsible for covering all costs associated with any for-credit courses in which they enroll.

    The costs for such courses will be based on the College of Charleston's current fee schedule.

    Applicants and candidates will be responsible for covering all costs associated with travel to and from Charleston, housing, board and other personal expenses.

  • Conduct

    Artist residency students are expected to comply with the College of Charleston Honor Code, the Code of Conduct that are otherwise applicable to enrolled students of the College, and to comply with all other College policies and procedures.

  • Length of Program

    The program is to be completed in two academic years (four semesters).

  • Application

    To apply for the Post-Baccalaureate Artist Residency program:

    Letters of reference and academic transcripts should be sent to the Department of Music:

    Department of Music
    College of Charleston
    66 George Street
    Charleston, SC 29424

    Apply to Artist Residency Program