About the College of Music
CU Boulder College of Music students earn more than a music degree in the foothills of the Rockies: Diverse opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and a spirit of inclusive excellence await you! who are well-equipped to participate in the 21st century as artists, educators and scholars; as broadly based professionals with flexible career options; and as passionate, compassionate world citizens.
Our faculty are deeply dedicated pedagogues, award-winning performers, scholars and composers who are standing by to support your success—whether your passion is to teach, perform, compose, research or rethink music entirely.
Since 1920, the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music offers a wide range of programs for undergraduate and graduate study, integrating advanced musical and interdisciplinary training with professional-level experiences. One of the top comprehensive music schools in the country, the College of Music is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1941.
Home to the American Music Research Center, the first university-level music entrepreneurship center in the country and a musicians’ wellness program, the CU Boulder College of Music offers seven degrees in 24 fields of study—i.e., a full range of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs including three degree types for undergrads (BA, BME, BM) plus options for dual degrees. Discover our 11 academic areas including composition, performance, education and more. Of note, our faculty and alumni are regularly awarded MacDowell Fellowships and more than a dozen CU Boulder students have pursued a music focus as Fulbright recipients to date; the university has been named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Scholars by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Additionally, our faculty and alumni have garnered 40+ Grammy awards and nominations.
Our college is situated within an internationally recognized Tier 1 research university in one of America’s top 10 “” (U.S. News & World Report). Boulder, Colorado—among America’s smartest cities (Forbes)—is also America’s happiest (National Geographic) and healthiest (Gallup) city; and Boulder tops the list of Best College Reviews’ “.” CU Boulder is recognized among the top colleges for Indigenous students and as a by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, further ranking in the top four “” as well as . According to Times Higher Education, CU Boulder also ranks as the top university in the U.S. mountain region, and has seen record-breaking retention and graduation rates in recent years.
: Inspiring artistry + discovery, together
The College of Music is committed to inspiring the highest levels of artistic pursuit and scholarly discovery within an academic landscape that brings people together through the power of music. Dedicated to the highest standards in everything we do, we believe that collaboration not only brings us together but strengthens our efforts ... and positions us for even greater successes.
Making music in an incubator of innovation
The College of Music provides students—currently 317 undergrads and 197 graduate students—access to the liberal arts and numerous interdisciplinary opportunities, enhancing intensive musical training. Our college boasts a faculty-to-student ratio of approximately one faculty member for every eight students. This close interaction inspires and equips students to develop their talents, refine their passions and ultimately succeed in their professional endeavors.
Achieving academic, artistic + inclusive excellence
Undergraduate offerings include certificates in Music Entrepreneurship (which includes a business minor from the Leeds School of Business), Music Technology, Music Theory, Singing Health Specialist and Arts Administration (micro-credential).
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.
Ensemble experiences include a full complement of concert and jazz bands, choirs and symphonic orchestras as well as chamber groups, pioneering world music ensembles and a state-of-the-art laptop orchestra. The College of Music presents more than 400 musical events to the public each year, ranging from fully-staged operas to early and new music performances.
Dean John Davis welcomes you to our online home on behalf of the faculty, staff, students and supporters of the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music.
The College of Music’s Imig Music Building—totaling more than 89,500 square feet—houses recital halls, large ensemble rehearsal rooms, a choral room, a state-of-the-art recording studio and more.
The College of Music has offices and facilities primarily in three buildings on the CU Boulder campus: Imig Music Building, Macky Auditorium and the University Club. Search the campus map for directions.
