The Barenboim-Said Akademie offers an Artist Diploma in all string instruments, piano and composition.

The Artist Diploma is a one-year diploma program designed as a post-graduate certificate program for advanced musicians who are preparing to embark on a performing career. Unlike the Bachelor of Music degree, the Artist Diploma is not an accredited degree. Freedom and flexibility have been built into the curriculum of the Artist Diploma to match the demands of active performing career schedules.

The core of the Artist Diploma program is rigorous instrumental and musical training. In addition to individual instruction and coaching, Artist Diploma students also participate in group music practice (chamber music and orchestra).

To inform and enhance their intensive music studies, Artist Diploma students are also required to undertake academic work. In each semester, students must either enroll in an elective course (Humanities or musicology), or work with a faculty advisor towards an independently-written paper. In addition, all students are expected to take part in BSA-wide academic events such as special guest lectures. Students are also free to enroll in language courses and, subject to availability and instructor’s permission, explore further offerings in the Barenboim-Said Akademie’s Humanities and music curricula.

The Artist Diploma’s certificate is conferred upon successful completion of all the performance and academic requirements set out above.