Thanks for your interest in applying to the CU College of Music. There are multiple steps in the application process which you must complete. The following text is a resource for you to follow as you proceed through the application process. You may want to print out this page and check off the steps as you complete them. Please note that some steps don't necessarily have to be completed in this order. If you have any questions, please call us at 303-492-2207 or email gradmusc@colorado.edu.

STEP 1
Review the letter of greeting to prospective students from our Associate Dean for Graduate Studies

STEP 2
If you have not already done so, read the College of Music brochure which contains information about the College, its programs, and faculty. You may also use the Quick Find feature on the left of each page on this website to find faculty and department web pages.

STEP 3
Review graduate degree plans in your area of interest.

STEP 4
Contact the faculty representative in your area of study to discuss our programs and your specific area of interest.

STEP 5
Visit the University of Colorado Graduate School website to apply online or download application forms:

1. Application Part I (domestic students) or International Application
2. Application Part II
3. Recommendation forms
4. Tuition classification form (Colorado residents only)
5. Financial Statement for International Applicants

STEP 6
Submit initial application materials directly to the College of Music Graduate Office. A good time for us to receive these documents is in December and January. Voice and piano applicants have an earlier deadline for submission - December 1. International applicants - December 1 deadline for fall admission.

1) University of Colorado Application for Graduate Admission Part I (domestic students)
OR
International Student Application for Admissions

2) Application for Graduate Admission­Part II (list your references and biographical information­performers include a repertoire list) Submit the application fee ($50 domestic; $70 international)

3) Arrange for us to receive your transcripts and 4 (four) letters of recommendation. Have transcripts (two official copies from each institution you have attended) sent directly to the College of Music

4) Ask each of your references (four are required) to fill out the Request for Recommendation form and send it directly to the College of Music

STEP 7
Submit a sample of your research and writing in English--required of all DMA and PhD (musicology and music education) applicants.

STEP 8
Take the GRE exam and have scores sent to the College of Music

1) Required only of PhD applicants (musicology and music education)

2) Strongly recommended for music education MME applicants; required of music education MME applicants with a GPA below 3.0

STEP 9
International students must also:

1) Demonstrate proficiency in English. TOEFL scores are required:
Master’s­520 (190 computer)
Doctorate­550 (213 computer)
OR one year of study at a US institution will fulfill this requirement

2) Complete the Financial Statement for International Applicants. You may include any scholarship you expect to be offered on “line 5-e” of the form.

STEP 10
Plan a visit to the University of Colorado-Boulder Campus (optional). An ideal time to visit with professors, attend classes, observe rehearsals and private lessons, and become acquainted with our campus. It would be an excellent idea to coordinate your visit with an audition/interview (see next step).

STEP 11
Schedule an audition

1) Consult the Audition Requirements link to find out audition dates and other options for live auditions.

2) Students who are unable to visit the campus may submit recordings of high quality or other appropriate documentation of their proficiency in the major area of study.

STEP 12 - Scholarships, fellowships and assistantships
1) All applicants are automatically considered for all College of Music awards, except for assistantships in the theory/composition department which require a separate application.

2) Review information on scholarships and assistantships

3) Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for need-based financial aid, subsidized student loans, work study, etc.

STEP 13
Check out our answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about our programs or application procedures:
gradmusc@colorado.edu
(303) 492 2207