The Master of Music degree programs at CU Boulder are modeled after the guiding principles outlined by the National Association of Schools of Music. The purpose of Master of Music degree work is to refine skills in music performance, music composition, research and writing, and pedagogy. There are numerous fields of study within the Master of Music program as listed below. The musicology program admits students only at the PhD level. 

The Master of Music degree provides advanced studies in performance, performance/pedagogy, composition (with an optional emphasis in technology), music theory, and conducting (choral, orchestral and wind).  Areas of emphasis in performance and performance/pedagogy include all band and orchestral instruments, guitar, harp, harpsichord, jazz, piano and voice. Each of the MM degrees incorporates studies in the major area, support courses in music electives and thesis/recital work. The minimum credit hours required for a MM degree varies from 30 to 32 depending on the area of study. For specific major area requirements, see the list of Master of Music degrees at the College of Music website.

Brass, conducting, percussion, string, voice and woodwind majors are required to participate in a music ensemble. A student's ensemble placement will be determined by an audition during the first week of classes.  

Requirements

Prerequisites

Students should have completed undergraduate preparation equivalent to that expected for the bachelor's degree at this university. Normally this is a bachelor of music degree in the proposed area of concentration.

Before admission, composition majors should upload representative scores and recordings (to the digital portfolio on the application) and a list of completed compositions. Theory majors should upload two scholarly writing samples that demonstrate ability in critical analysis, appropriate research techniques and skill in the cogent use of English. For further details, see the Application Process section of the website. 

Program Requirements

The master of music (MM) degree, which the Graduate School considers a Plan II program, requires a minimum of 30–32 credit hours of graduate coursework, including thesis projects. Many students find it necessary to exceed this minimum in order to meet the musical and academic standards demanded by the MM preliminary examinations. Specific degree requirements for each program are available online at the College of Music website.

Each student's program is directed by a three-member advisory committee headed by the major advisor (the student's major professor). A second member is chosen from the major area; the third member is usually from outside the major area. (Major areas include: composition, music education, music theory and performance.) By the second semester of residence, the student should complete a tentative degree plan and obtain the approval of the advisory committee and the associate dean for graduate studies. Students must complete the master's degree within four years of matriculation into the program.

Examinations

In addition to preliminary examinations, master's degree students in music must take the Master's Qualifying Examination. The procedures, guidelines for registration and deadlines for taking these examinations are announced by the Music Graduate Office.

Recital/Thesis Requirements

The recital/thesis requirement for the MM in composition is a body of work(s) lasting at least 20 minutes in duration. This could be comprised of one or more original works for varying forces. For the major in conducting, the requirement is a public practicum and a performance-related or other scholarly document. For the major in music theory, it is two thesis papers. Or, with consent of the faculty advisory committee, a single, extended thesis for four credit hours. For the major in performance, presentation of two public recitals fulfills the requirement. For the major in performance and pedagogy, a full-length recital and a research document in pedagogy are required.

Required Courses and Credits

Composition
Category I: Composition
PMUS 5526Composition (variable from 2-3 per semester) 19
Thesis
A body of work(s) lasting at least 20 minutes in duration. This could be comprised of one of more original works of varying forces for each Thesis project.
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 22
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory9
Electives3
Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
Total Credit Hours30
Composition with an Emphasis in Music Technology
Category I: Composition
PMUS 5526Composition (Emphasis in traditional techniques) 13
PMUS 5526Composition (Emphasis in Music Technology - variable 2 or 3 credits) 16
Thesis
One major composition for musical ensemble and electronic media to be approved in advance by the composition faculty
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 22
Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory6
MUSC 5081Applications in Music Technology3
Electives (maximum 2 credits of ensemble)3
Total Credit Hours30
Music Theory
Category I: Music Theory
MUSC 5151Topics in Music Analysis (Schenkerian Analysis)3
MUSC 5071Post-tonal Theory and Analysis I3
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory6
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis 12
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 12
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 6051Pedagogy of Music Theory3
Music Electives outside of the major area 23
Category III: Free Electives
Free Electives 23
Total Credit Hours30
Choral Conducting
Category I: Choral Conducting
MUSC 5156Symposium in Choral Music4
MUSC 5136Advanced Conducting2
PMUS 5536Intermed Conducting (Intermediate Conducting - to be taken concurrently with Thesis Practicum where possible)6
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis 12
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 12
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5712Renaissance Music3
PMUS 5726Voice (Voice Pedagogy)4
or MUSC 5444 Vocal Pedagogy
or MUSC 5454 Repertory for Young Voices
Electives2
Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
Total Credit Hours30
Choral Conducting with an Emphasis in Voice Performance
Category I: Choral Conducting
MUSC 5156Symposium in Choral Music4
MUSC 5136Advanced Conducting2
PMUS 5536Intermed Conducting 16
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Conducting Practicum) 22
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
Voice Performance 3
PMUS 5726Voice (Three semesters)6
MUSC 5444Vocal Pedagogy2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Voice recital or research paper) 42
Academic Courses
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5712Renaissance Music3
Choral Ensemble required each semester of residence; credit attached to applied study
Total Credit Hours32
Orchestral Conducting
Category I: Orchestral Conducting
PMUS 5536Intermed Conducting (Intermediate Conducting)6
MUSC 5136Advanced Conducting2
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Conducting Practicum)2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper)2
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5156Symposium in Choral Music2
PMUS 5XXX (Applied Music Instruction)4
Instrumental Ensemble (Required each semester of residence - credit attached to applied study)
Electives (maximum 2 credits of ensemble)4
Total Credit Hours30
Wind Band Conducting
Category I: Wind Band Conducting
PMUS 5536Intermed Conducting (Intermediate Conducting)8
MUSC 5136Advanced Conducting2
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Conducting Practicum)2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Reseach Paper)2
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5156Symposium in Choral Music2
Instrumental Ensemble required each semester of residence, credit attached to applied study
Music elective outside Conducting2
Electives (maximum 2 credits of ensemble)4
Total Credit Hours30
Brass Performance
Category I: Brass Performance
PMUS 5XX6 (Applied Brass Instruction) 110
EMUS 5507Chamber Music2
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis 22
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 22
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5036Brass Literature2
MUSC 5336Brass Pedagogy2
Graduate-level electives in Music Theory 5XX1; Musicology/Ethnomusicology 5XX2, or Music Education 6XX36
Electives2
Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
Total Credit Hours30
Guitar
Category I: Guitar Performance
PMUS 5566Guitar (Applied Guitar Instruction)9
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis 12
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 12
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
Other music electives (outside Guitar Performance) 22
Electives (maximum 2 credits of ensemble)7
Total Credit Hours30
Collaborative Piano
Category I: Collaborative Piano
PMUS 5636Piano (Applied Piano Instruction and Performance Class)8
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Collaborative Recital)2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Collaborative Recital)2
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5425Collaborative Literature for Piano with Winds, Brass, and Percussion2
MUSC 5435Collaborative Literature for Piano with Strings2
Category III: Additional Courses in Music6-8
Choose three or more courses from the following:
Opera Coaching for Pianists
Basso-Continuo Accompaniment
Voice Literature I: French Song Literature and Oratorio/Concert Solo Literature
Voice Literature II: German, British & American Song Literature
Electives2-3
Additional music electives outside of the major
Total Credit Hours32-35
Harp
Category I: Harp Performance
PMUS 5576Harp (Applied Harp Instruction)10
Ensembles (credit attached to applied study)
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis 12
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 12
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
Music electives outside Harp Performance 22
Electives6
Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
Total Credit Hours30
Harpsichord
Category I: Harpsichord Performance
PMUS 5586Harpsichord (Applied Harpsichord Instruction)10
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Recital)2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Recital)2
EMUS 5367Early Music Ensembles4
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5405Basso-Continuo Accompaniment2
Electives 12
Total Credit Hours30
Percussion Performance
Category I: Percussion Performance
PMUS 5626Percussion (Applied Percussion Instruction) 110
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Recital)2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Recital)2
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5026Percussion Literature2
Electives6
Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
Total Credit Hours30
Piano Performance (Solo)
Category I: Piano Performance
PMUS 5636Piano (Applied Piano Instruction and Performance Class)8
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Solo Recital)2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Solo Recital, Chamber Recital, Research Paper)2
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5325Keyboard Literature 12
MUSC 5335Keyboard Literature 22
Category III: Additional Courses in Music4-6
Choose two or three of the following in consultation with advisor:
Advanced Accompanying
Piano Pedagogy Group Techniques
Piano Pedagogy: Intermediate Literature
Opera Coaching for Pianists
Basso-Continuo Accompaniment
Voice Literature I: French Song Literature and Oratorio/Concert Solo Literature
Voice Literature II: German, British & American Song Literature
Electives2-3
Additional music electives in music or non-music other than piano performance
Total Credit Hours30-33
String Performance (Bowed)
Category I: String Performance
PMUS 5XX6Applied String Instrument Instruction10
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Recital)2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 12
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
Electives 26
Outside of string performance; maximum 2 credits of ensemble2
Total Credit Hours30
Voice Performance
Category I: Voice Performance
PMUS 5726Voice (Applied Voice Instruction)8
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis 12
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 12
Ensemble2
One credit hour of Opera Theatre Practicum (PMUS 5157) plus one hour of one of the following: EMUS 5217, EMUS 5227 or EMUS 5367 or an additional hour of Opera Theatre Practicum
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5444Vocal Pedagogy2
MUSC 5484Graduate Seminar in Vocal Pedagogy2
MUSC 5464Voice Literature I: French Song Literature and Oratorio/Concert Solo Literature2
or MUSC 5564 Voice Literature II: German, British & American Song Literature
Electives 24
Vocal Repertoire Coaching
Opera Theatre 1
Opera Theatre 2
Total Credit Hours32
Woodwind Performance
Category I: Woodwind Performance
PMUS 5XX6Applied Woodwind Instruction10
Ensemble 1
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Recital)2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Recital)2
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
MUSC 5346Woodwind Pedagogy2
MUSC 5666Chamber Music Literature: Woodwinds2
Electives4
Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
Total Credit Hours30
Brass Performance with an Emphasis in Pedagogy
Category I: Brass Performance
PMUS 5XX6Applied Brass Instruction 110
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Solo or Chamber recital)2
Category II: Brass Pedagogy
MUSC 6203Psychology of Music Learning2
MUSC 5036Brass Literature2
MUSC 5336Brass Pedagogy2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper)2
Category III: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
Graduate-level electives (Music Theory 5XX1, Musicology/Ethnomusicology 5XX2 or Music Education 6XX3)6
Electives2
May include ensemble credit
Total Credit Hours30
Jazz Performance and Pedagogy
Category I: Jazz Performance
EMUS 5427Jazz Ensemble 12
EMUS 5437Jazz Combo 12
PMUS 58X6Applied Jazz Lessons4
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Recital)2
Category II: Jazz Pedagogy
MUSC 5256Jazz Studies Administration and Pedagogy3
MUSC 5356Jazz Studies Practicum2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper)2
Category III: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5642Jazz History and Literature3
MUSC 5091Contemporary Theory - Jazz and Modal Music3
MUSC 5246Jazz Improvisation and Analysis3
Electives (outside of Jazz area) 23
Total Credit Hours31
Piano Performance and Pedagogy 
Category I: Piano Performance
PMUS 5636Piano (Applied Piano Instruction and Performance Class)8
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Solo Recital)2
Category II: Piano Pedagogy
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper)2
MUSC 5305Piano Pedagogy Group Techniques2
MUSC 5315Piano Pedagogy: Intermediate Literature2
MUSC 5345Research: Piano Literature and Pedagogy2
MUSC 5215Studies in Piano Teaching1
MUSC 5325Keyboard Literature 12
MUSC 5335Keyboard Literature 22
Category III: Additional Courses in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
Electives2
In music or non-music, other than piano performance
Total Credit Hours33
String (Bowed) Performance and Pedagogy
Category I: String Performance
PMUS 5XX6Applied String Instrument Instruction8
Orchestra (Credit is attached to applied study) 1
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Recital)2
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
String Pedagogy
MUSC 5273Comprehensive String Pedagogy2
MUSC 6203Psychology of Music Learning2
TMUS 5564Special Study-Strings2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper/Pedagogy Project)2
MUSC 5446Supervised Teaching Practicum1
MUSC 5608Wellness for Musicians 11
Additional courses
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
Electives 22
Maximum 2 credits of ensemble
Total Credit Hours30
Voice Performance and Pedagogy
Category I: Voice Performance
PMUS 5726Voice8
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Recital) 12
Ensemble2
One credit in Opera Theatre Practicum PMUS 5157, plus one credit in one of the following: EMUS 5217, EMUS 5227 or Early Music Ensemble (EMUS 5267) or an additional hour of Opera Theatre Practicum
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 12
MUSC 5444Vocal Pedagogy2
MUSC 5484Graduate Seminar in Vocal Pedagogy2
MUSC 5464Voice Literature I: French Song Literature and Oratorio/Concert Solo Literature2
or MUSC 5564 Voice Literature II: German, British & American Song Literature
Electives 24
Vocal Repertoire Coaching
Opera Theatre 1
Opera Theatre 2
Total Credit Hours32
Woodwind Performance and Pedagogy
Category I: Woodwind Performance
PMUS 5XX6Applied Woodwind Instruction10
Ensemble 1
TMUS 6956Master's Thesis (Recital)2
Category II: Other Requirements in Music
Woodwind Pedagogy
MUSC 5666Chamber Music Literature: Woodwinds2
MUSC 5346Woodwind Pedagogy2
MUSC 6203Psychology of Music Learning2
TMUS 6957Master's Thesis 2 (Research Paper)2
Other courses
MUSC 5708Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research2
MUSC 5XX1Electives in Music Theory3
MUSC 5XX2Musicology or Ethnomusicology Elective3
Electives2
Total Credit Hours30

Dual Degree Program

Master's Degree in Two College of Music Programs

Students may apply for a dual master's degree that combines any two master's programs (with approval from both departments) in the College of Music. To guarantee the ability to pursue a dual master’s degree, the student must apply separately and be admitted by the faculty in each of the degree programs under their respective admissions procedures and standards. The student must be accepted into both degree programs at the time of the initial application. If a student is already accepted to the College of Music in one degree program and is interested in adding a second degree (dual degree plan), the second master’s degree must be approved by both area Department Chairs and the Associate Dean of the College of Music.

In consultation with the Department Chairs, Associate Dean and Graduate Studies Coordinator, a comprehensive degree plan will be devised for all requirements expected for the student to earn the dual degree. This plan must be completed before the last anticipated semester of study in the student’s original degree. With the exception of thesis credit hours, courses that fulfill requirements in both degree programs need only be taken once to be counted for both degrees. A minimum of 45 credit hours must be earned.