- To provide students with the highest quality training possible to bridge academic training into entry-level careers as professional artists
- To provide students with performance opportunities that develop and demonstrate the integration of musicianship and performance practice
- To assist students with identifying opportunities and preparation for competitions, internships, apprenticeships, and other professional venues for the classical artist
- To ensure that students have acquired the type of writing and research abilities required of a terminal degree from a leading research university, enabling them to pursue successful careers as teachers, performers, and researchers at the university level