Music theory application process

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.

MM Theory applicants must submit the following by December 1:

Two Scholarly Writing Samples: The writing samples (research papers, thesis excerpts, etc.) should demonstrate ability in critical thinking and argumentation. Ideally, at least one of the samples should involve music analysis and/or explore music-theoretic issues. Writing samples may be emailed to musicapp@colorado.edu or submitted to the Graduate Application. If emailing materials, please be sure the filename is in the following format: Last Name, First Name - Program, File Name (example: "smith, john - theory, writing sample.pdf").
Required Test Scores: GRE scores are encouraged, but not required for applicants to the Fall 2021 semester. TOEFL scores (required if your native language is not English) should be sent directly from the testing agency. The University institution code is 4841 and the College of Music department code is 2404. For international applicants, the minimum TOEFL score for admission is 80.
Assistantship Application: Applicants seeking assistantship consideration must also submit a Theory Teaching Assistant Application, available here. An interview in person is highly recommended for those applying for a Theory Assistantship. The interview will include sight-singing, demonstration of keyboard skills (harmonic progressions, simple keyboard textures, etc.), as well as discussion of the applicant’s theory and teaching background. The interview typically takes place after admission, at the invitation of the department; funds for travel to CU are often available for this purpose.

If you have any further questions, please email Keith Waters, Department Chair, at keith.waters@colorado.edu.

Graduate Degree Sheet

MM Music Theory

Contact the Theory Department Visit the Theory page

The College of Music’s Graduate Certificate in Music Theory offers a curricular framework for advanced studies in music theory, along with formal acknowledgement of these studies without the more extended requirements of the master’s in music theory.

Students applying for the certificate should have an interest in music theory and theory pedagogy, facility with common analytical techniques and an ability to learn advanced concepts. Master’s, doctoral and PhD graduates with theory certificates will have an advantage for positions that include theory and aural skills teaching. To begin the application for the Certificate in Music Theory, please complete the Music Theory Declaration Form.

Venezuelan Andres Orco-Zerpa is a DMA guitar student in our Thompson Jazz Studies Program with a special interest in advanced rhythm and meter in jazz; as such, he’s also pursuing a Certificate in Music Theory. “Through the certificate program, I received a multidisciplinary education that has made me a more well-rounded musician and educator,” he says.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of the 12 credit hours below. All MM and DMA degree programs already require at least three credit hours in music theory. Students pursuing this graduate certificate would typically enroll in an additional six to nine credit hours. For current students, courses taken before applying for the certificate will be counted.

3 credits. Music Theory Pedagogy (MUSC 6051)
6 credits. Two out of three of the following:
- Schenkerian Analysis (MUSC 5151)
- Post-tonal Theory + Analysis (MUSC 5071)
- A further elective from Topics in Music Analysis (MUSC 5151) for MM students, or Advanced Topics in Music Theory (MUSC 6801) for DMA and PhD students.
3 credits. One-semester of Special Studies, leading to a research project and public presentation of research.

Admissions requirements

The program is only available to MM, DMA and PhD students enrolled in the College of Music. Students may apply for the program with their application to the college or once they are already enrolled. The application will consist of

Statement of purpose
Academic transcript(s)
Two scholarly writing samples

Academic performance in graduate courses at CU Boulder will also be taken into account for students who are already enrolled.

Questions? Contact Graduate Studies Coordinator Chris Martin, christopher.t.martin@colorado.edu.

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Music theory application process

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Music theory application process

Music theory–graduate

Graduate Degree Sheet

Curriculum

Admissions requirements

Student info

Faculty info

Community engagement

Summer programs

COVID-19 info