Opus Colorado College of Music

Artist Diploma & Performance Certificate Programs

Violin • Viola • Cello • Double Bass • Piano

Overview

Opus Colorado College of Music offers selective Artist Diploma and Performance Certificate programs for serious musicians seeking a more comprehensive approach to artistic development.

Rather than focusing solely on lessons and repertoire, our programs integrate individualized musical training, physical readiness, and professional development to support long-term artistic growth and career sustainability.

Designed for advanced students and professionals alike, Opus provides focused mentorship in a flexible online format from faculty actively performing and teaching at a high professional level.

The Opus Framework

Our curriculum is built around three integrated pillars that support the modern performing musician.

Music

Individualized instruction emphasizing technical refinement, artistic interpretation, stylistic understanding, performance preparation, and consistent musical growth through focused mentorship.

Movement

Targeted physical preparation designed around the demands of professional performance. Students work directly with a licensed personal trainer and receive guidance in strength, mobility, nutrition, recovery, and long-term injury resilience.

Strategy

Develop practical frameworks for performance preparation, auditions, career decisions, and the evolving realities of professional musicianship. Students learn structured approaches to prioritization, goal-setting, and long-term artistic development.

The Result

The goal is not simply to become a better player.

It is to become a more complete musician.  One who performs with greater artistic confidence, prepares with intention, makes thoughtful professional decisions, and develops the physical and musical habits that support a sustainable performing career.

Faculty

Our faculty maintain active careers as performers and educators with experience in major orchestras, leading conservatories, and international performance venues.

Instruction is intentionally limited to ensure meaningful mentorship, thoughtful artistic development, and individualized guidance throughout the program.

Selective Admissions

Is Opus Right for You?

It depends.

Opus is designed for musicians seeking a more comprehensive approach to artistic development. Rather than focusing solely on lessons and repertoire, our programs integrate musical training, physical readiness, and professional development to support long-term artistic growth.

Admission is intentionally selective. Because our faculty maintain active teaching and performing careers, most accept only one or two Opus students at a time. Rather than expanding enrollment, we intentionally keep each studio small to preserve the quality of instruction and the depth of mentorship each student receives.

Opus isn't intended to be the right fit for every musician. It is designed for those seeking an educational philosophy that extends beyond traditional performance instruction and values the development of the complete artist.

Who Opus Is Designed For

Our programs are intended for musicians who value individualized mentorship and are seeking a more comprehensive approach to artistic development.

Ideal applicants include:

• Advanced students (ages 16 and above)

• Undergraduate and graduate music majors

• Emerging professionals preparing for auditions and competitions

• Professional musicians pursuing continued artistic development

Programs

Performance Certificate

A focused, intensive program for advanced musicians seeking a shorter-term course of study. Designed for artists preparing professional-level repertoire, orchestral auditions, competitions, graduate school auditions, profesional continuing education, and other significant performance opportunities.

The Performance Certificate is typically completed in a single 14-20 week term, with an optional concentrated summer format. For many students, it also serves as the foundational phase of the Artist Diploma.

Artist Diploma

Designed for advanced musicians pursuing the highest level of artistic and professional development.  The Artist Diploma provides an extended period of individualized mentorship, allowing students to further refine their artistry, performance preparation, and professional development through a comprehensive course of study.

Most students complete the Artist Diploma over two terms (approximately 28–40 weeks), beginning with the Performance Certificate as the foundational phase of study.  In select cases, applicants demonstrating advanced artistic achievement or significant professional experience may be approved to complete the Artist Diploma in a single term following artistic review.

Applicants typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in performance, or demonstrate equivalent pre-professional or professional experience.

Contact

Website OpusColorado.org

Email info@opuscolorado.org