Community Engagement
“When the world feels uncertain, the instinct is to hedge,” notes College of Music Dean John Davis. “I argue the opposite: Let’s push forward on what we’re good at, on what we aspire to be good at and, above all, what we’re hearing from our students. Real listening is the most dependable way forward.” Continue reading our dean’s exploration of what it means to make connections, pay attention and effectuate change by listening, first.
The CU Boulder College of Music offers many opportunities for non-music majors to engage, perform and deepen their understanding of music. Learn more + join us!
For all of the musical styles, expressions and idioms from across the world that the CU Boulder Symphony Orchestra has tackled in its storied history, its first fall concert will offer audiences a musical perspective replete with musical connections to Boulder and its flagship university. Meet Director of Orchestral Studies Gary Lewis + join us on Sept. 24 in Macky Auditorium!
Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology Stephanie Choi hopes a weeklong residency (Sept. 22-26) emphasizing performance, teaching and cultural exchange will challenge perceptions of “tradition” by presenting Korean traditional music as a living practice that continues to take new forms.
A newly funded interdisciplinary collaboration will examine why it’s difficult to adapt to singing here in Colorado, and provide best practices for singers who tour through or move to our state “to keep their voices healthy and adapt to singing at altitude with efficiency,” says Nicholas Perna, associate professor of voice + director of vocal pedagogy.
For composer and arranger Ilan Blanck (MM ’23), collaboration is integral to his creative identity and career success. His College of Music experience encouraged curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn alongside others—an approach that continues to guide his work across genres including a community concert on Feb. 21 featuring several fellow alumni and students.
This fall, Romanian-born cellist Mihai Marica joins our internationally renowned Takács Quartet-in-residence. Get to know this accomplished artist! 
Former NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson visited the College of Music on Oct. 24, hosted by the American Music Research Center. Learn more about her visit and the perspectives she shared with our community!
Associate Professor of Composition Annika Socolofsky and Associate Teaching Professor of Composition Mike Barnett are actively engaged composers and singer-songwriter artists who practice what they preach to their students when it comes to self-expression and creativity through music.
Dean Davis shares reflections “from the road” where he’s been engaged in a trio of October conferences as well as two accreditation site reviews for the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).