Prospective graduate students

Hone your skills with the very best in music.

At the CU Boulder College of Music, today鈥檚 leaders shape tomorrow鈥檚 leaders.

  

  International applications   Graduate assistantships   

At the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music, graduate offerings include the Artist Diploma, Master of Music, Master of Music Education, Doctor of Musical Arts and PhD programs in performance and academic areas, as well as post-baccalaureate professional performance certificates, and graduate certificates in music theory and arts administration.

Of note, 13 CU Boulder students have pursued a music focus as Fulbright recipients to date; the university is a top producer of Fulbright students.

Department webpages provide specific information on programs and degree requirements, as well as graduate audition 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).  

Welcome + info

 to the College of Music and of our college, as well as .

Audition days include a graduate programs overview and how to finance graduate school. For general questions about our graduate program, please contact graduate.music@colorado.edu

Review all university graduate . Please note that international students must comply with English language proficiency requirements

Deadlines

  • Fall matriculation: Dec. 1
  • Spring matriculation: Oct. 1 (Music Education applicants, only)
  • Summer matriculation: March 1 (Summer MME program, only)

Info for current students applying to a graduate program

Application form for current MM students applying to a DMA or PhD

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.鈥

Application instructions

Review all admission requirements on the CU Boulder Graduate School website and .

Upload supplemental materials required by the CU Boulder Graduate School

  • Academic history + 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  is strongly encouraged, but not required, for the MM in music theory. Applicants to the Master of Music Education with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must submit GRE scores to be considered 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鈥檚 GRE code is 4841.
    • International applicants: A valid , or score is required of all international graduate applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants to the Fall 2024 semester may also use the Duolingo English Test to satisfy this requirement. International students who have completed at least one year of full-time academic study at a U.S. institution (or at an institution in a country where English is the native language) at the time they apply and within two years from their desired admission term may request an English proficiency score waiver.  Requests will be evaluated by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at the College of Music and subject to approval. You may submit a request via email to graduate.music@colorado.edu. Please have the application completed with requested supplemental materials uploaded and ready to submit before submitting your request. 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. 鈥Note: Be sure that your TOEFL score includes all portions of the examination. For more information, visit the Graduate School's website.
      • The minimum acceptable English proficiency exam scores for admission to the College of Music are:
        • Artist Diploma programs: TOEFL 75 | IELTS 6.5 | DET 120
        • All master鈥檚 degree programs: TOEFL 80 | IELTS 6.5 | DET 125
        • All Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) + PhD programs: TOEFL 93 | IELTS 7 | DET 135
  • Letters of reference: Three reference letters are required; you may submit additional reference letters, if you wish. 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 three 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鈥檚 academic work directly and another who can speak to the applicant鈥檚 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 and MM in early keyboard 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. Personal statements should be between one and three pages, double-spaced.
  • Diversity statement: Completing this statement is optional and you do not need to disclose any aspect of your identity or personal experiences in this statement.

Additional supplemental materials required by the College of Music

Instructions for adding recordings to the Slate graduate application:

  1. To upload media to your digital portfolio, add the files using the 鈥淪elect Files鈥 button below and click 鈥淪tart Upload.鈥  
    Note: Slate supports media files up to 5 GB in size. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages.
  2. Once your file has been received, it will be displayed under the 鈥淵our portfolio鈥 tab. Your file will be processed and converted into its final form soon after uploading.   
  3. You may change the order of your files at any time by dragging them. Please supply title and media information by clicking 鈥淓dit Details.鈥  
  4. 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.  
  5. Double check to make sure everything was uploaded correctly.

Scheduling and preparing for your audition or interview

  • Once you鈥檝e submitted all the above materials, you will be contacted by Graduate Academic Services after your pre-screening (if applicable) has been reviewed. Auditions take place in January and February, and you will have the opportunity to indicate your date preference. You will receive your audition time and date several 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

Questions? Contact us at graduate.music@colorado.edu or complete the .

Academic Services, S111
Office hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m.)
Summer hours: Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m.)

Application deadlines

Dec. 1: Deadline for submission of application, pre-screening and supplemental materials, including three (3) letters of recommendation.