Summer at the College of Music
For both music students + professionals, summer programs at the CU Boulder College of Music offer robust, richly varied experiences including engaging, exciting opportunities for young musicians + non-music majors. Join us!
Summer session
The College of Music offers a robust selection of summer courses, including for non-music majors. Any student may enroll in MUEL courses, regardless of major.
CU New Opera Workshop
CU NOW is a three-week, interactive session that empowers student singers and composers to workshop their own pieces and works by new opera professionals.
Summer Music Academy
The SMA presents exciting opportunities for high school and middle school musicians from Colorado and around the country.
Guitar Summer Academy
A five-day immersion for high school students into the world of the classical guitar led by world-class faculty and guest artists.
Conducting Symposia
For professional wind and orchestral conductors, our summer symposia—led by College of Music conducting faculty and renowned guests—strengthen conducting technique, rehearsal strategies and more.
Brazilian Bateria Directing Symposium
For experienced percussionists and teachers, this symposium develops skills and knowledge in Brazilian percussion and explores the role of directing a bateria ensemble in a school, university or community music setting.
Panoramic Flutist
The Panoramic Flutist is a residential seminar for aspiring and professional flutists. This summer, our high school seminar focuses on improving general skills of tone, technique, auditioning, All-State work and more!
Sphinx Performance Academy
The Sphinx Performance Academy (SPA) is a full-scholarship intensive summer chamber music and solo performance program for string musicians ages 11-17. Since summer 2023, the College of Music and SPA have partnered to transform lives by providing private lessons, master classes, recitals, career enrichment sessions and mentorship tailored to each participating student. Join us, July 20-31, 2026!
- University of Colorado Boulder summer camp helps train young musicians in classical music (2025)—CBS News
- Free summer scholarship academy at University of Colorado Boulder aims to make classical music more accessible (2025)—CBS News
- CU Boulder hosts Sphinx Performance Academy, empowering young musicians through classical music (2025)—Denver7 + KOAA-TV
- The (musical) kids are back in town (2024)—College of Music
- CU Boulder hosts national music program for Black, Latino teens (2023)—Daily Camera
- CU Boulder hosts national music program to advance diversity in classical music (2023)—CU Boulder Today (related video)
- Sphinx Performance Academy promotes cultural diversity (2023)—College of Music
- Sphinx Performance Academy taps early music (2023)—Early Music America