Graduate Degrees in Musical Arts

Musical Arts

The College of Music’s graduate degrees in musical arts are designed to support the success of composers, conductors and performers who have both creative and scholarly abilities.

With more than 235 graduate students and a host of award-winning faculty, the College of Music is known for launching the careers of composers, conductors and performers in solo, chamber music, opera, jazz, orchestra or band.

Degree Types

DMA

Take a virtual tour of the College of Music’s 64,000-square-foot expansion, including new rehearsal and recital facilities, a state-of-the-art recording studio and more.

Receive a more interactive learning experience with an 8-to-1 student-faculty ratio.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Musical Arts
Musical Arts

 

Musical Arts

Doctor of Musical Arts in Brass Performance and Pedagogy

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 30–48 credit hours
  • Includes seminar, applied study, performance and written projects
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 38–52 credit hours
  • Must demonstrate competency in French, German or Italian
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 30–42 credit hours
  • Must attend weekly composition seminar
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Literature

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 34–46 credit hours
  • Must be able to read and comprehend material related to the field of music in 1 foreign language
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting and Literature

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 30–42 credit hours
  • Must complete dissertation projects and repertoire project
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting and Literature

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 30–42 credit hours
  • Must complete dissertation projects and repertoire project
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Harpsichord Performance

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 37–51 credit hours
  • Must complete solo recital, chamber music recital, research lecture and recording project
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 36–51 credit hours
  • Must complete dissertation projects, repertoire project and major project
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires a minimum of 35 credit hours
  • Must complete dissertation projects, repertoire project, major project, comprehensive examination and final oral examination
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 36–48 credit hours
  • Thesis and nonthesis options
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in String Performance

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 31–43 credit hours
  • Must complete dissertation projects, repertoire project and major project
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance and Pedagogy

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 30–42 credit hours
  • Must complete and pass a minimum of 1 year of study in 3 foreign languages
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Doctor of Musical Arts in Woodwind Performance and Pedagogy

  • Must be completed within 6 years of first registration
  • Requires 30–49 credit hours
  • Must complete dissertation projects and major project
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the .

Research Areas

  • Opera/Musical Theatre
  • Chamber Music
  • Vocal Music
  • Instrumental Music
  • New 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