Music & Entertainment Industry Studies
As the most comprehensive commercial music program in the Rocky Mountain region, Performance at CU Denver prepares graduates to work as professional musicians. This unique contemporary music curriculum does not follow the traditional conservatory model, CU Denver Music Performance allows for greater flexibility in career exploration and creative expression.
Music Performance is for musicians interested in a range of commercial and creative options, including guitarists, bassists, vocalists, keyboardists, percussionist drummers, string players, and electronic musicians
creating original material and media content.
Seen performing nationwide and internationally as professional musicians, CU Denver Music Performance graduates have found employment as band members and singers of regional, national, and international ensembles. Denver is home to many internationally recognized bands featuring College of Arts & Media graduates, like The Fray and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Some are working as songwriters in Nashville and Los Angeles, professional roles in large studios such as Warner Music Group, music directors and performers at churches, and teachers who work in the non-profit sector.
Bass (acoustic, electric)
| Electronic Digital Instrument, Digital Audio Workstation |
Cello | Guitar (jazz, contemporary, acoustic/fingerstyle, pop/rock, Brazilian & Latin) |
| Percussion |
| Violin, Viola, Cello |
| |
Banjo, Dobro |
The first step is to apply to CU Denver. After being admitted to CU Denver, there are additional music specific application requirements for the Music Performance Program including an audition. Please note that the audition can be scheduled prior to CU Denver admission.
The audition forms for each instrument and complete information about the audition track requirements can be found on the HOW TO APPLY page in the music section.
For more information about the Music Performance emphasis and audition track programs, email the College of Arts & Media at CAMinfo@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-7487. If you would like to visit campus to tour our music facilities and learn more about our programs, you can view all of the visit day options here.
For full information about degree requirements and curriculum visit the program page on the CU Denver catalog.