Prospective graduate students

Review all admission requirements on the CU Boulder Graduate School website and fill out the application.

Upload supplemental materials required by the CU Boulder Graduate School

• Academic History and Transcripts: As part of the online application, upload an unofficial copy of each academic transcript on the online application. Follow these instructions for submitting an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts are not required until after you have been recommended for admission.  
• Test Scores: The GRE general test is required for the PhD program in Music Education. The GRE is strongly encouraged, but not required, for the MM in Music Theory. Applicants to the Master of Music Education with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must submit GRE scores to be considered for admission. Note: Students must take the GRE by early fall, in order to ensure receipt of scores before the Dec. 1 application deadline. The University of Colorado Boulder’s GRE code is 4841.
  • International applicants: A valid TOEFL or IELTS exam score is required of all international graduate applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants to the Fall 2023 semester may also use the Duolingo English Test to satisfy this requirement. The College of Music requires that students who have completed their education in an English-speaking country take and pass an English proficiency exam, as well. Exceptions may be made by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies on a case-by-case basis. An acceptable score must be reported directly to the Office of Admissions by the Dec. 1 deadline in order for the application to be complete. The code to have scores sent to the University of Colorado Boulder is 4841. Be sure to take the exam by early fall to meet this deadline. ​Note: Be sure that your TOEFL score includes all portions of the examination. For more information, visit the Graduate School's website.
    • The minimum acceptable English proficiency exam scores for admission to the College of Music are:
      • Artist Diploma programs: TOEFL 75 | IELTS 6.5 | DET 120
      • All Master’s degree programs: TOEFL 80 | IELTS 6.5 | DET 125
      • All Doctor of Musical Arts and PhD programs: TOEFL 93 | IELTS 7 | DET 135
• Letters of Reference: Three reference letters are required; you may submit additional reference letters, if you wish. Detailed letters of reference that address specific accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses, work habits, etc., are much more helpful than brief, overly general letters. When soliciting these letters, applicants should choose three people who can address different aspects of their professional background. At least one of the letters should come from an academic faculty member (theory, musicology, etc.) who knows the student’s academic work directly and another who can speak to the applicant’s teaching ability. It is often helpful to provide your references with a copy of your resume, transcript(s), and other information that will assist them in addressing specific aspects of your preparation for graduate studies.
• Writing Sample: A scholarly writing sample (e.g., research paper) is required of all DMA PhD, and MM in Theory 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.
• Personal Statement: This document describes your experiences in music performance, teaching, and/or scholarship. Also describe experiences in related areas or activities, including non-course educational experiences and relevant employment. Discuss your plans for graduate study and long-term, professional goals. Personal statements should be between one and three pages, double-spaced.

Additional supplemental materials required by the College of Music

Instructions for adding recordings to the Slate graduate application:

1. To upload media to your digital portfolio, add the files using the “Select Files” button below and click “Start Upload.”  
   Note: Slate supports media files up to 5 GB in size. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages.
2. Once your file has been received, it will be displayed under the “Your portfolio” tab. Your file will be processed and converted into its final form soon after uploading.   
3. You may change the order of your files at any time by dragging them. Please supply title and media information by clicking “Edit Details.”  
4. Make sure you are using the most updated version of your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). An intermittent or slow Internet connection can cause uploads to time out.  
5. Double check to make sure everything was uploaded correctly.

Scheduling and preparing for your audition or interview

• Once you’ve submitted all the above materials, you will be contacted by Graduate Academic Services after your pre-screening (if applicable) has been reviewed. Auditions take place in January and February, and you will have the opportunity to indicate your date preference. You will receive your audition time and date several weeks in advance.
• Some departments, such as Music Education, hold interviews instead of auditions. You will be contacted directly by the department to schedule your interview.
• Review the audition requirements for your specific area of study.