Merge your passion with your profession.
Picture yourself as a Music Buff at the College of Music.
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At the College of Music, we are devoted to inspiring artistry and discovery. Our students gain more than just a music education—they receive a multidisciplinary approach to music, where they can merge their musical talent and passion with applicable skills, preparing them for success.
Welcome + info
Enjoy a visit to the College of Music, explore an introduction and tour of our college and delve into student life.
By the numbers
330
undergraduate students
75%
of required
classes have
<20 students
8:1
student-to-faculty ratio
24%
pursue majors in addition to music
30
ensembles in
different genres
70%
of grads heading to
full-time jobs
or grad school
40+
Grammy awards
+ nominations
99%
BME job
placement
What our students are saying
“This school provides intense training and study of music at a high level, while also providing a community that encourages positive growth.” - Sophia Thaut, Violin Performance ’21
“Professor Cooper’s principles of independence and artistry have inspired and challenged me to push my own limits and to become a better musician.” - Curtis Sellers, Oboe Performance ’21
“Professor Spera is a supportive and enthusiastic mentor who pushes students to improve technically while also staying playful and creative in their music.” - Isabella Fincher, Guitar Performance ’23
“I think the strongest part of our education program is our professors. They are so passionate about music education and have such great experience in the field. They want the very best for all of us and want to see us be successful.” - Michael Batson, Choral Music Education ’23
Boulder opportunities
More than a music degree
Have an impact on the future of music
Check out the Music Education department
Don’t just perform music. Perform your music.
Check out the Composition department
The science of creativity
Undergraduate development funds
Designated funding is available to connect students to professional-level training and experiences.
Study abroad
Customize your education with musicians from all around the world in one of our 11 Education Abroad locations.
Network
The college provides opportunities to build your professional connections through diverse opportunities.
Chamber music
Students have the opportunity to perform in small ensembles in the community, interacting and connecting with diverse audiences.
Build your music career
Visit the Entrepreneurship Center for Music page
Get tools to keep your mind and body healthy
Visit the Musicians' Wellness Program page
Network with alumni
Important dates
Nov. 15: Early Action deadline for CU Boulder Undergraduate Admissions application
Dec. 1: Priority deadline for College of Music application, including the following materials:
- College of Music application
- Pre-screening recordings (All composition, voice, and non-Colorado resident Flute BME and BM applicants must be submitted on or before Dec. 1)
Note: Live audition dates will not be confirmed until a recorded audition has been submitted.
Jan. 15: Regular Decision deadline for CU Boulder Undergraduate Admissions application
Update: In support of all our Colorado students, campus is extending this deadline through Jan. 31.
Feb. 1: Final music application deadline
Note: Applicants must apply by Feb. 1 (common app, music app, recorded audition, letter of recommendation) and complete a virtual live audition by Feb. 15 to be considered for admission.
Feb. 15: Deadline to complete all live auditions with the College of Music
Oct. 1: Deadline to submit both the CU Boulder Undergraduate Admissions application and the College of Music Admissions application. College of Music will require the following on or before Oct. 1:
- College of Music application
- Pre-screening recordings (All composition, voice, and non-Colorado resident Flute BME and BM applicants)
Oct. 15: Final deadline to submit recorded audition
Nov. 15: Final deadline to complete a live audition/interview with the College of Music (including ad hoc auditions), deadline to receive a letter of recommendation.
Note: Live audition dates will not be confirmed until a recorded audition has been submitted.
Note: Jazz does not take saxophone or trumpet applications for Spring term.
How to apply
Review all university admission requirements on the CU Boulder Office of Admissions website
Submit your University of Colorado Boulder application
- First-year applicants: Apply using The Common Application
- Transfer applicants: Apply using the CU Boulder Transfer Application
Submit your College of Music application online
- Your music application can be found on the status page of your CU Boulder application. Once you’ve submitted the application, check your email for a message from Undergraduate Admissions prompting you to check your application status. The College of Music application will be below your checklist.
- The College of Music application will ask you to select your audition method. All applicants are required to submit a recorded audition on or before Feb. 1 (It is highly recommended to do so by Dec. 1). You also have the choice to sign up for a live audition (highly recommended). Please note you will not be able to select a date/time until your recording has been uploaded.
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Note: A short essay is required as part of the music application. You’ll need to upload it via your application portal. Note that it will have to be a PDF file in order to successfully upload. See prompts below.
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Note: You must submit your recording via your CU Boulder application checklist page, in the application portal. After submitting the application, you will get an email from Undergraduate Admissions with your log in information. Log in and view your CU Boulder checklist page. From this portal, you may upload recordings. If you’re having trouble with this process, please reach out to Undergraduate Admissions directly.
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- Please choose one of the following essay prompts and upload an original essay (approximately 250 words)
- 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.
- "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?
- Fall composition applicants must also submit three of their best scores, along with sound recordings through the CU Boulder application by Dec. 1. Spring composition applicants must submit by Oct. 15. Applicants who are not admitted to the Composition major will still be considered for other music majors at the applied audition.
Provide one letter of reference
- The College of Music application will request the names and email addresses of at least one person who will provide a letter of recommendation for you. This person should be a music teacher or someone familiar with your development as a musician.
- When you submit the application, an email will automatically be sent to your recommender requesting them to attest to your progress as a musician.
Complete your audition:
All students pursuing a degree through the College of Music must complete an audition either with only a recording or recording + live audition (recommended).
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Option 1: Upload a recorded audition to your CU Boulder application portal and be done with your audition. Note that if you're applying to a composition, music education, or musicology degree you'll have additional steps.
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Option 2 (highly recommended): Upload your recordings via your CU Boulder application portal and also sign up for a live audition/interview. We require applicants to choose their date and time to complete a live audition. Dates and times will become available via your CU Boulder Application Portal in early December and only after you've submitted your recorded audition.
You must sign up for your live audition date and time via your application checklist. Dates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a date has been filled, you must choose a different date option. Students applying for Music Education and Composition will also be required to interview.
Review the audition requirements for your specific area of study.
Application criteria
If you’re transferring, visit the Transfer Students page.
As a student applying to the College of Music at CU Boulder, you will have to complete two separate application processes, one through CU Undergraduate Admissions and another for the College of Music. It is critical to remain in contact with both CU Undergraduate Admissions and the College of Music as you navigate the applications.
Successful College of Music applicants can read music using traditional notation and often have several years of experience in high school ensembles and/or private lessons.
Who are our students?
Middle 50% of admitted music students
Contact us
College of Music Undergraduate Studies Office
301 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0301
ugradmus@colorado.edu
2022 CU Boulder Music Day
The day-long event will include Q&A sessions, a sample lecture, open classes and rehearsals, music building tours, and an open studio hour where you can meet and speak with faculty members. Check back for details!