Graduate Degrees in Music Composition & Conducting

Music Composition & Conducting

The nationally renowned College of Music offers a comprehensive array of graduate degrees in music to help you refine your music composition, conducting, research and writing skills. 

One of the top comprehensive music schools in the country, the college is home to the American Music Research Center, the first university-level music entrepreneurship center in the country, and offers music degrees in more than 20 fields of study. Graduates have gone on to occupy positions at major universities and popular performance venues.

Degree Types

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Degree Options & Application Requirements

Composition and Music Theory Conducting
Composition and Music Theory

Composition and Music Theory

Master of Music in Composition

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Must compose body of of work lasting at least 20 minutes to fulfill thesis requirement
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 

Master of Music in Composition With an Emphasis in Music Technology

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Must complete 1 major composition for music ensemble and electronic media to fulfill thesis requirement
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 

Master of Music in Music Theory

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • 2 thesis papers required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 

Conducting

Master of Music in Choral Conducting

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Must complete preliminary examinations, major field entrance examination, master qualifying examination and thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 

Master of Music in Choral Conducting With an Emphasis in Voice Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 32 credit hours required
  • Must complete preliminary examinations, major field entrance examination, master qualifying examination and thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 

Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Must complete conducting practicum and research paper to fulfill thesis requirements 
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 

Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Must complete conducting practicum and research paper to fulfill thesis requirements
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 

Research Areas

  • Instrumental Music
  • Music Criticism
  • Music Education
  • Musicology/Music Theory
  • Orchestral Music

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding   Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions