The Juilliard Extension Certificate in Core Musical Skills (CMS) is meticulously crafted for students aiming to deepen their foundational musical knowledge through an intensive study regimen. The curriculum comprises various courses that align with the undergraduate offerings of the Juilliard College Division, ensuring a high standard of education and content delivery.
The program begins with Music Theory and Analysis I: Diatonic Harmony, in which students review the fundamentals of tonal music. The curriculum progresses through increasingly complex theoretical frameworks, culminating in Music Theory and Analysis V: 20th Century and Beyond, which explores post-tonal music analysis and extended tonality. Each course builds on the previous one, evolving from basic diatonic harmony to intricate chromatic and post-tonal structures, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of music theory across different eras.
In parallel, ear training courses—beginning with Ear Training I—focus on developing auditory skills, ranging from basic pitch and rhythm recognition to advanced dictations involving multiple clefs and complex chord progressions. These courses emphasize practical skills that enhance a student’s ability to perform, compose, and analyze music accurately.
The program also includes Keyboard Skills I, which addresses practical musicianship, including figured bass realization, chorale harmonization, and transposition skills. This course complements the curriculum’s integrated approach to music education.
This certificate program is designed for students seeking a rigorous study of essential music skills. All courses in the Core Musical Skills (CMS) certificate program mirror the content and delivery of undergraduate courses in the Juilliard College Division and require significant preparation outside of class. Students who complete the program gain a solid grounding in practical knowledge necessary for all musicians.
Requirements
The Certificate in Core Musical Skills requires a minimum of 18 credits. Students must enroll in the following courses:
- EVCRT 111 - Music Theory and Analysis I: Diatonic Harmony (3 credits; 1 semester)
- EVCRT 211 - Music Theory and Analysis II: Principles of Form (3 credits; 1 semester)
- EVCRT 311 - Music Theory and Analysis III: Chromatic Harmony and Analysis (3 credits; 1 semester)
- EVCRT 411 - Music Theory and Analysis IV: At Tonality’s Edge (3 credits; 1 semester)
- EVCRT 121 / EVCRT 122 - Ear Training I (4 credits; 2 semesters)
Electives
In addition, students must choose one elective from the following:
- EVCRT 421 - Music Theory and Analysis V: 20th Century and Beyond (3 credits; 1 semester)
- EVCRT 423 / EVCRT 424 – Music Theory Elective (3 credits; 1 semester)
- EVCRT 141 OR EVCRT 142 - Keyboard Skills I (2 credits; 1 semester)
- EVCRT 221 OR EVCRT 222 - Ear Training II (2 credits; 1 semester)
Prerequisites
If students entering the program are not at the requisite level to enroll in the above credit-bearing courses, they must first take noncredit prerequisite courses from the following list to achieve eligibility:
- EVDIV 011 - Elements of Music Theory and Analysis
- EVDIV 040 - Elements of Keyboard Skills
- EVDIV 041 - Introduction to Keyboard Skills
- EVDIV 052 - Introduction to Ear Training
Supplemental Courses
If students test out of any of the required classes, they must choose credit-bearing courses from the following areas to reach the minimum of 18 credits to obtain the certificate:
- Composition
- Conducting
- Ear Training & Musicianship
- Keyboard Studies
- Music Theory & Analysis