Prospective graduate students

Hone your skills with the very best in music.

At the CU Boulder College of Music, today’s leaders shape tomorrow’s leaders.

International applications Graduate assistantships

At the 鶹Ƶ College of Music, graduate offerings include the Artist Diploma, Master of Music, Master of Music Education, Doctor of Musical Arts and PhD programs in performance and academic areas, as well as post-baccalaureate professional performance certificates, and graduate certificates inmusic theory and arts administration.

Of note, 13 CU Boulder students have pursued a music focus as Fulbright recipients to date;the university is a top producer of Fulbright students.

Department webpagesprovide specific information on programs and degree requirements, as well as graduate audition requirements. Please contact the department chair directly for more detailed information. All graduate applicants are automatically considered formerit-based support(e.g., College of Music scholarships and graduate Teaching Assistantships).

Welcome + info

to the College of Music and of our college, as well as .

Audition days include a graduate programs overview and how to finance graduate school. For general questions about our graduate program, please contact graduate.music@colorado.edu.

Review all university graduate . Please note that international students must comply with English language proficiency requirements.

Deadlines

  • Fall matriculation: Dec.1
  • Spring matriculation: Oct.1(Music Education applicants, only)
  • Summer matriculation: March 1(Summer MME program, only)

Info for current students applying to a graduate program

Application form for current MM students applying to a DMA or PhD

Diversity statement

Graduate program faculty and staff are committed to cultivating an environment that integrates antiracism and equity in all that we do.As a college community, we acknowledgethe impacts ofsystemic racismand affirm that diversity, inclusiveness and excellence are not mutually exclusive.We value the innovation that multiple perspectives and backgrounds bring to our college since music at its core knows no boundaries defined by race, ethnicity,gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic standingor other human differences. Through intentional processes that engage students, faculty, staff, alumniand supporters, we strive to create actions in our studios, classroomsand performance spaces that reflect these values.


Application instructions

Review alladmission requirementson the CU Boulder Graduate School website and .

Upload supplemental materials required by the CU Boulder Graduate School

  • Academic history + transcripts: As part of the online application, upload anunofficial copyof each academic transcript on the online application. Follow these instructions for submitting an unofficial transcript.Official transcripts are not required until after you have been recommended for admission.
  • Test scores: The isstrongly encouraged, but not required, for the MM in music theory.Applicants to the Master of Music Education with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must submit GRE scores to be considered for admission. Note: Students must take the GRE by early fall, in order to ensure receipt of scores before the Dec. 1 application deadline. The 鶹Ƶ’s GRE code is 4841.
    • International applicants: A valid , or score is required of all international graduate applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants to the Fall 2024semester may also use the Duolingo English Test to satisfy this requirement. International students who have completed at least one year of full-time academic study at a U.S. institution (or at an institution in a country where English is the native language) at the time they applyand within two years from their desired admission term may request an English proficiency score waiver. Requests will be evaluated by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at the College of Music and subject to approval. You may submit a request via email to graduate.music@colorado.edu. Please have the application completed with requested supplemental materials uploaded and ready to submit before submitting your request. An acceptable score must be reported directly to the Office of Admissions by the Dec. 1 deadline in order for the application to be complete. The code to have scores sent to the 鶹Ƶ is 4841.Be sure to take the exam by early fall to meet this deadline. ​Note: Be sure that your TOEFL score includes all portions of the examination. For more information, visit the Graduate School's website.
      • The minimum acceptable English proficiency exam scores for admission to the College of Music are:
        • Artist Diploma programs: TOEFL 75 | IELTS 6.5 | DET 120
        • All master’s degree programs:TOEFL 80 | IELTS 6.5 | DET 125
        • All Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) + PhD programs:TOEFL 93 | IELTS 7 | DET 135
  • Letters of reference: Three reference letters are required; you may submit additional reference letters, if you wish. Detailed letters of reference that address specific accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses, work habits, etc., are much more helpful than brief, overly general letters. When soliciting these letters, applicants should choose three people who can address different aspects of their professional background. At least one of the letters should come from an academic faculty member (theory, musicology, etc.) who knows the student’s academic work directly and another who canspeakto the applicant’s teaching ability. It is often helpful to provide your references with a copy of your resume, transcript(s) and other information that will assist them in addressing specific aspects of your preparation for graduate studies.
  • Writing sample: A scholarly writing sample (e.g., research paper) is required of all DMA, PhD and MM in theoryapplicants and MM in early keyboard applicants. The document should demonstrate ability in critical thinking, appropriate research techniquesand skill in the cogent use of English. Writing samples should be uploaded to your application in the digital portfolio tab.
  • Personal statement: This document describes your experiences in music performance, teachingand/or scholarship. Also describe experiences in related areas or activities, including non-course educational experiences and relevant employment. Discuss your plans for graduate study and long-term, professional goals.Personal statements should be between one and three pages, double-spaced.
  • Diversity statement: Completing this statement is optional and you do not need to disclose any aspect of your identity or personal experiences in this statement.

Additional supplemental materials required by the College of Music

Instructions for adding recordings to the Slate graduate application:

  1. To upload media to your digital portfolio, add the files using the “Select Files”button below and click“Start Upload.”
    Note:Slate supports media files up to 5 GB in size. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages.
  2. Once your file has been received, it will be displayed under the“Your portfolio”tab. Your file will be processed and converted into its final form soon after uploading.
  3. You may change the order of your files at any time by dragging them. Please supply title and media information by clicking“Edit Details.”
  4. Make sure you are using the most updated version of your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). An intermittent or slow Internet connection can cause uploads to time out.
  5. Double check to make sure everything was uploaded correctly.

Scheduling and preparing for your audition or interview

  • Once you’ve submitted all the above materials, you will be contacted by Graduate Academic Services after your pre-screening (if applicable) has been reviewed. Auditions take place in January and February, and you will have the opportunity to indicate your date preference. You will receive your audition time and date several weeks in advance.
  • Some departments, such as Music Education, hold interviews instead of auditions. You will be contacted directly by the department to schedule your interview.
  • Review theaudition requirementsfor your specific area of study.

Contact

Questions? Contact us atgraduate.music@colorado.eduor complete the.

Academic Services, S111
Office hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m.)
Summer hours: Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m.)

Application deadlines

Dec. 1: Deadline for submission of application,pre-screening and supplemental materials, including three (3) letters of recommendation.