Graduate Degrees in Music Performance & Pedagogy

Music Performance & Pedagogy

The College of Music’s highly selective artist diplomas and degrees in performance are designed to develop multiskilled, multifaceted musicians who are well equipped for concert careers.

Choose from a wide range of areas of emphasis, including all band and orchestral instruments, guitar, harp, harpsichord, jazz, organ, piano and voice. With more than 400 musical events staged every year, the College of Music gives you the skills and stages needed to pursue your passion for performing.

Degree Types

MM

 

Top Green College

(Princeton Review, 2025)

 

No. 46 among public universities in the country

(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

 

5 Nobel Laureates

Since 1989

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.

Stream students’ degree-qualifying recitals from the comfort of your home.

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

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Performance Performance and Pedagogy
Performance

Performance

Master of Music in Brass Performance

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

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in brass performance. 

Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Can fulfill thesis requirements with 2 recitals or 1 recital and 1 major paper
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in classical guitar performance. 

Master of Music in Collaborative Piano Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 32–35 credit hours required
  • 2 collaborative recitals required for thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

    For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in collaborative piano performance. 

Master of Music in Harp Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Can fulfill thesis requirements with 2 recitals or 1 recital and 1 research paper
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in harp performance.

 Master of Music in Harpsichord Performance

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

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in harpsichord performance.

Master of Music in Percussion Performance

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

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in percussion performance.

Master of Music in Piano Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Can fulfill thesis requirements with 2 recitals or 1 recital and 1 research paper
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in piano performance.

Master of Music in String Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Can fulfill thesis requirements with 2 recitals or 1 recital and 1 research paper
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in string performance.

Master of Music in Voice Performance

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

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in voice performance.

Master of Music in Woodwind Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Can fulfill thesis requirements with 2 recitals
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in woodwind performance.

Artist Diploma in Opera and Solo Vocal Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Includes performance opportunities and studio lessons
  • Minimum of 20 credit hours required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

  For program details, review the course catalog for the artist diploma in opera and solo vocal performance.

Artist Diploma in String Quartet Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • 4 recitals required for thesis
  • Minimum of 20 credit hours required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

  For program details, review the course catalog for the artist diploma in string quartet performance.

Artist Diploma in Solo Instrumental Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Includes performance opportunities, studio lessons and ensemble participation
  • Minimum of 20 credit hours required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

  For program details, review the course catalog for the artist diploma in solo instrumental performance.

Artist Diploma in Chamber Music Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Includes performance opportunities, studio lessons and ensemble participation
  • Minimum of 24 credit hours required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

  For program details, review the course catalog for the artist diploma in chamber music performance.

Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Includes performance opportunities, studio lessons and ensemble participation
  • Minimum of 22 credit hours required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

  For program details, review the course catalog for the artist diploma in orchestral performance.

Artist Diploma in Vocal Coaching

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Must complete 4 semesters of applied instruction
  • Minimum of 20–24 credit hours required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

  For program details, review the course catalog for the artist diploma in vocal coaching.

Performance and Pedagogy

Master of Music in Brass Performance With an Emphasis in Pedagogy

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Recital and research paper required for thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in brass performance with an emphasis in pedagogy.

Master of Music in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 31 credit hours required
  • Recital and research paper required for thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in jazz performance and pedagogy.

Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 33 credit hours required
  • Solo recital and research paper required for thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in piano performance and pedagogy.

Master of Music in String Performance and Pedagogy

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Recital and research paper/pedagogy project required for thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in string performance and pedagogy.

Master of Music in Voice Performance and Pedagogy

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 32 credit hours required
  • Recital and research paper required for thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in voice performance and pedagogy. 

Master of Music in Woodwind Performance and Pedagogy

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours required
  • Recital and research paper required for thesis
Application Deadlines & Requirements

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

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in woodwind performance and pedagogy. 

Research Areas

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

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

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