Minor in Music

At the College of Music, we’re devoted to inspiring artistry and discovery together. Our students make music a part of their university experience, regardless of their major area of study.

The minor in music is ideal for students who are passionate about music and want to reconnect with musical studies in a way that complements their existing major. Students take a series of classes, including music theory and participation in one music ensemble. Students customize the minor program, allowing them to align music with their interests and career goals. 

  • Customize your minor in music
  • Explore a broad range of topics, from theory to practice
  • Complement your undergraduate studies and skills with a minor

75% of required music classes have fewer than 20 students

8:1 student-to-faculty ratio

Join a network of 30+ faculty and alumni who have received Grammy nominations

Be successful.

A minor in music allows you to enter the workforce with additional creative skills and knowledge alongside your major area of study.

 

Gain hands-on experience in one of our 30+ student ensembles, ranging from Symphony Orchestra to traditional Japanese Ensemble

 

Learn a range of topics in music, from music and global health or wild west soundscapes

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

Academic Plan & Requirements

The minor in music is open to all undergraduate students at CU Boulder, regardless of experience or background. To earn the minor, students must complete a minimum of 19 credit hours. 

Required courses include:

  • Basic Music Theory
  • Music Ensemble

Students choose electives from the following categories:

  • Creating Music
  • Thinking Music

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

Nora Barpal

(BM ’18)
Barpal worked with the Entrepreneurship Center for Music during her time at CU, helping her bridge her musical passion with the startup scene. Since graduating, she's partnered with Josh Wilson, a 2019 College of Music graduate, to launch the Music Inclusion Coalition (MIC), providing high-quality recording equipment to low-income high schools to ensure equitable opportunities and resources for students to remotely audition for music programs.

Neal Postma

(BM ’10)
A music educator and saxophonist, Postma's multifaceted career includes master classes, recitals at CU Boulder and other institutions, and commission and premiere solo and chamber works by a number of composers. He's also the founding member and current president of the American Single Reed Summit, which features internationally renowned artists, hundreds of recitals, and a robust roster of lectures and master classes.

Claire Glover

(BME ’17)
Recipient of the Colorado Music Educator Association’s 2020 Young Music Educator Award, Glover is director of bands at Mountain Ridge Middle School in Colorado Springs, and president and concert band coordinator of the Pikes Peak Middle School Honor Band.