Welcome
On behalf of the faculty, staff, students and supporters of the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our website—and to our community. For nearly a century, our highly active faculty of professional performers, composers and scholars have committed themselves to helping students develop their talents, refine their passions and ultimately succeed in their musical endeavors. The college is indeed a very special place, as I have been discovering since coming here in 1999 to direct the jazz studies program.
This website offers a look into the breadth and quality of our programs, including a full range of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. Students may study performance (brass, percussion, jazz, keyboard, strings, voice and woodwinds), composition, music education and musicology (music history) at the undergraduate level. All of these areas, plus conducting, collaborative piano and music theory, are offered at the graduate level. An extensive array of classes and ensembles complements the highly individualized instruction offered throughout the college. Students can also take advantage of to hear world-class performances, the Entrepreneurship Center for Music to develop the skills and tools necessary to create sustainable careers in the arts, the Howard B. Waltz Music Library that houses one of the largest music research collections in the country, the unique resources of the and the Musicians’ Wellness Program, designed to increase understanding of the physical aspects of performance and prevent injuries. Of additional interest are the Eklund Opera Program that mounts several fully staged operas each year, our extensive community engagement opportunities, the Ritter Family Classical Guitar Program, the world-renowned Takács Quartet’s residency at the college, the award-winning Thompson Jazz Studies Program and the Roser Piano and Keyboard Program.
Also making studying music at the University of Colorado Boulder so special are our universal musician mission and the numerous opportunities students are afforded by attending the state’s flagship university (the only member of the prestigious in Colorado). CU Boulder has a proud tradition of research and academic excellence underscored by five Nobel laureates. The City of Boulder also frequently acquires top rankings in the arts, education, health, well-being and quality of life. Nearby are some of the world’s best hiking and skiing, unlimited mountain views and the major urban area of Denver, just 25 miles away.
Choosing the right college can be a daunting task. Bear in mind that the personal and professional relationships you develop with your teachers and peers can have a tremendous impact on your future successes; our faculty, staff and I welcome your interest in the CU Boulder College of Music, and are happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and activities.
With best wishes,
John Davis
Dean, College of Music
musicdean@colorado.edu