How to Apply to Recording Arts, MS

Apply to the MSRA Program on the Graduate Admissions website. Applicants must apply between December 1 and May 1 to start in the following fall semester. The MSRA program only accepts students for a fall semester start.

Applicants must submit transcripts from each college or university attended. You can learn more about how to submit transcripts on the CU Denver Graduate Admissions website

The essay should summarize the educational and professional history of the applicant relative to a career in the audio/music industry, and should include:

• Complete name and contact information
• Educational background
• Career objective
• Anticipated dates of attendance

Essay must be typed and in English. Preferred length of essay is 3-5 pages.

Students are required to submit a resume as it relates to the field of study. The resume must include educational background, work experience, and relevant skills. Students are also welcome to include any published works, scholarly/creative work, exhibitions, awards, or other relevant achievements.

The resume should be chronological, beginning with educational background and progressing to employment history. Please refrain from “functional” resumes, or those that simply summarize qualities or competencies.

​The resume should be uploaded in the online application.

Letters of recommendation are required from three reference providers that can attest to the applicant’s academic and/or professional accomplishments. 

Applicants list their recommender on the CU Denver Graduate Application. Recommender will then receive an email asking them to submit a recommendation form and letter for the applicant. Recommendation forms and letters must be received by the May 1st application deadline.

Reference providers must complete their letters of recommendation by doing both of the following:

• Online Recommendation Form: This is an online multiple-choice form where the reference provider will be asked to evaluate certain indicators of success for the applicant.
• ​Recommendation Letter: This should be a formal, narrative letter uploaded by the reference provider via the online recommendation form.​ The letter must be submitted online directly by each recommender. Letters cannot be submitted by the applicant.

Additional information about letters of recommendation can be found on the CU Denver Graduate Admissions website here.

Applicants must upload their audio portfolio through the online Graduate Application for Admission.

The portfolio should represent an applicant's accomplishments in audio production.

Applicants should submit documentation describing their role on projects they've completed (ex: artist/performer, engineer, producer, arranger, foley, ADR, etc.). It is helpful for the committee to see examples of production and engineering skills you may possess. Such as MIDI production or video post-production. 

In choosing portfolio pieces, candidates should first strive to show their ability to record acoustic sound sources with microphones.

If the applicant has any examples of working in post-production, they are strongly encouraged to include an example of their work in the portfolio, though a post-production piece is not required.

One possible portfolio (among many possibilities) might include:

• A multi-track song with drums, bass, guitars, vocals, etc.
• MIDI project with virtual instruments, etc. 
• Video post-production assignment

There is typically a non-refundable $50 application fee to apply. CU Denver offers fee waivers for certain applicants. You can find more information about the application fee on the CU Denver Graduate Admissions website.