Musicology application information

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All undergraduate applicants must apply to the University of Colorado and complete a College of Music Admission Application. Applications may be obtained online through the Admissions section. Undergraduate auditions will not be scheduled until both applications have been received. Graduate students need only complete the graduate application.

Undergraduate application instructions 

Application requirements

For prospective majors in musicology (including Western music history and world music), the audition process has several parts:

  1. You must submit a short research paper (7-12 pages double-spaced) no later than Feb. 1 via your applicant portal. This paper will be evaluated for clarity, accuracy and critical acuity. It need not be on music but should rather represent your best work in any field and show your ability to research a topic and evaluate information critically.
  2. You must submit a short music essay responding to one of the following prompts:
    1. Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.
    2. “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?
  3. You must pass an audition on an orchestral or band instrument; classical guitar; piano or harpsichord; voice; or jazz styles at the appropriate level. The audition will be evaluated jointly by a minimum of two musicologists and two applied faculty in relevant performance area or areas.

Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:

  1. Submit a recording
  2. Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.

More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.

Degree sheets

Musicology    

Graduate application instructions

A writing sample (term paper) is required of all PhD musicology applicants. The document should demonstrate ability in critical thinking, appropriate research techniques and skill in the cogent use of English. Writing samples should be uploaded to your application in the digital portfolio tab.

PhD Musicology graduate degree sheets
Musicology