Music Composition & Conducting

Graduate Degrees in Music Composition & Conducting

The nationally renowned College of Music offers a comprehensive array of graduate degrees in music to help you refine your music composition, conducting, research and writing skills.

One of the top comprehensive music schools in the country, the college is home to the American Music Research Center, the first university-level music entrepreneurship center in the country, and offers music degrees in more than 20 fields of study. Graduates have gone on to occupy positions at major universities and popular performance venues.

Take a virtual tour of the College of Music’s 64,000-square-foot expansion, including new rehearsal and recital facilities, a state-of-the-art recording studio and more.

Students playing instruments in music class

Stream students’ degree-qualifying recitals from the comfort of your home.

Receive a more interactive learning experience with an 8-to-1 student-faculty ratio.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Composition and Music Theory
Conducting

Composition and Music Theory

Master of Music in Composition

Can be completed in 2 years
Minimum of 30 credit hours required
Must compose body of of work lasting at least 20 minutes to fulfill thesis requirement

GRE/GMAT Requirements

None

Application Deadlines

Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in composition.

Master of Music in Composition With an Emphasis in Music Technology

Can be completed in 2 years
Minimum of 30 credit hours required
Must complete 1 major composition for music ensemble and electronic media to fulfill thesis requirement

GRE/GMAT Requirements

None

Application Deadlines

Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

For program details, review the course catalog for the MM composition with an emphasis in music technology.

Master of Music in Music Theory

Can be completed in 2 years
Minimum of 30 credit hours required
2 thesis papers required

GRE/GMAT Requirements

GRE is strongly encouraged but not required

Application Deadlines

Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in music theory.

Conducting

Master of Music in Choral Conducting

Can be completed in 2 years
Minimum of 30 credit hours required
Must complete preliminary examinations, major field entrance examination, master qualifying examination and thesis

GRE/GMAT Requirements

None

Application Deadlines

Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in choral conducting.

Master of Music in Choral Conducting With an Emphasis in Voice Performance

Can be completed in 2 years
Minimum of 32 credit hours required
Must complete preliminary examinations, major field entrance examination, master qualifying examination and thesis

GRE/GMAT Requirements

None

Application Deadlines

Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in choral conducting with an emphasis in voice performance.

Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting

Can be completed in 2 years
Minimum of 30 credit hours required
Must complete conducting practicum and research paper to fulfill thesis requirements

GRE/GMAT Requirements

None

Application Deadlines

Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in orchestral conducting.

Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting

Can be completed in 2 years
Minimum of 30 credit hours required
Must complete conducting practicum and research paper to fulfill thesis requirements

GRE/GMAT Requirements

None

Application Deadlines

Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

For program details, review the course catalog for the MM in wind conducting.

Research Areas

Instrumental Music
Music Criticism
Music Education
Musicology/Music Theory
Orchestral Music

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

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Graduate Degrees in Music Composition & Conducting

Degree Types