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Prospective graduate students

How to apply Contact us International applications Request information Diversity statement Statement on COVID-19

The University of Colorado Boulder offers graduate programs in music performance, performance and pedagogy, music education, theory, musicology, composition and conducting. We offer the following degrees: Master of Music, Master of Education, Doctor of Musical Arts, Doctor of Philosophy in Music and Artist Diploma programs. The department webpages provide specific information on programs and degree requirements. Please contact the department chair directly for more detailed information. All graduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based support (e.g., College of Music scholarships and graduate Teaching Assistantships).

Upcoming graduate info sessions

Information coming soon!

For general questions about our graduate program, contact Chris Martin, Graduate Studies Coordinator, or Felicia Hamilton, Graduate Admission Assistant.

Review all university graduate admission requirements. There are different guidelines for International students and U.S. students. For fall matriculation, Dec. 1 is the deadline to submit the entire application, including all supplemental materials. Oct. 1 is the deadline for spring admission, which is only available for Music Education applicants.

Current College of Music students hoping to apply to a graduate program should refer to this document >>

Applicants going from an MM to a DMA or PhD should fill out this form >>

Diversity statement

Graduate program faculty and staff are committed to cultivating an environment that integrates antiracism and equity in all that we do. As a college community, we acknowledge the impacts of systemic racism and affirm that diversity, inclusiveness and excellence are not mutually exclusive. We value the innovation that multiple perspectives and backgrounds bring to our college since music at its core knows no boundaries defined by race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic standing or other human differences. Through intentional processes that engage students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters, we strive to create actions in our studios, classrooms and performance spaces that reflect these values. 

COVID-19 Audition Update

The College of Music will not be holding in-person auditions for applicants to the Fall 2021 graduate program due to the risks and challenges posted by COVID-19. Instead, we will be using a combination of pre-screening videos, recorded auditions and Virtual Live interviews/auditions to make admissions decisions.

Statement from the CU Graduate School regarding COVID-19

We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has been disruptive to all and that student experiences in the wake of this have not been equitable. In response to these events, we recognize that some applicants will have concerns about the impacts these events could have on admissions. The graduate programs at the University of Colorado Boulder are dedicated to recruiting and supporting diverse, talented students, employing holistic application review processes and supporting students when they arrive on campus. We want to be clear that we understand:

Students have been facing and will face unprecedented challenges during this time.
Testing centers have suspended operations or moved to remote testing.
Many students and institutions have chosen to adopt the Pass/Fail (or Credit/No Credit) option due to these events.
Due to this disruption students may not have performed to their usual abilities during times of remote study or challenging classroom adjustments.
Some research projects will have been interrupted or will be incomplete as a result of university and facility closures.
Many students will be unable to take on internships and summer research programs or other professional development initiatives.
There are myriad other challenging circumstances that have arisen in individuals’ experiences.

We will take this all into consideration as we review applications holistically, understanding that our goal continues to be a graduate student cohort of future leaders, full of diverse life experiences and perspectives that will add new dimensions to our existing graduate community. If you have any questions about your specific circumstances, please contact the department to which you are interested in applying, or cugrad@colorado.edu. Please visit the Graduate School's website for more specific information aboug graduate admissions.

Audition requirements are located under Step 4 below.

How to apply

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 PhD programs in Music Education and Musicology. (Music Education and Musicology faculty may make case-by-case exceptions to this requirement during the 2020-21 application season). The GRE is strongly encouraged, but not required, for the MM in Music Theory. Applicants to the Master of Music Education are strongly advised to submit GRE scores, particularly if they desire to be considered for graduate assistantships, but it is not required 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. This includes applicants who have already completed a degree or studied in an English-speaking country. 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.
  - The minimum acceptable TOEFL scores for admission to the College of Music are:
    - Artist Diploma programs: TOEFL 75 | IELTS 6.5 | DET 100
    - All Master’s degree programs: TOEFL 80 | IELTS 6.5 | DET 105
    - All Doctor of Musical Arts and PhD programs: TOEFL 93 | IELTS 7 | DET 115
    - 2021 Applicants: The College of Music is accepting the TOEFL iBT Special At-Home Edition, the IELTS Indicator exam, and the Duolingo English Test this year.
Letters of Reference: Four reference letters are required. 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 four 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.

Additional supplemental materials required by the College of Music

Instructions for adding recordings to the Slate graduate application:

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.
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.
You may change the order of your files at any time by dragging them. Please supply title and media information by clicking “Edit Details.”
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.
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. Your audition date will be provided to you one month in advance, and your individual audition schedule will be announced two 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.

Contact us

University of Colorado Boulder
College of Music
Graduate Studies Office
301 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0301
Phone number: 303-492-2207
Email: graduate.music@colorado.edu
Fill out the information request form

CASE, Office E390
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 am–5 pm (closed noon-1pm)
Summer Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30 am–4:30 pm (closed noon-1pm)

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Application Deadlines

Dec. 1: Deadline for submission of application and pre-screening materials. Letters of recommendation will be accepted through Jan. 1.

Audition and interview dates and logistics will be available by Dec. 1. You will receive at least one month’s notice to plan and practice if you are invited to audition or interview.