University Center for the Arts
(970) 491-5529
music.colostate.edu
The Master of Music, Performance Option provides students with a comprehensive approach to the study and performance of literature in all styles and idioms of music. The curriculum is designed to develop musicianship, technical proficiency, and cultural awareness in both performance and pedagogy. Regardless of degree concentration, the graduate student will maintain regular study on their applied instrument or voice and additional directed areas based on individual goals and needs. Graduate students may choose to specialize in one or more areas as they work toward degree recital requirements.
The intent of the option is to prepare students with outstanding performance potential to be competitive in performance and teaching careers and to advocate for the arts in their communities. They may help meet the needs for skilled performers of solo and small and large ensemble music, and they will be able to teach in a university and help meet the considerable community demand for excellent private studio teachers.
Performance areas include woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, harp, guitar, voice, piano, and organ. Please visit the "Areas" section of the Music website for information about each studio.
Unique performance opportunities include the Graduate String Quartet/Trio program and professional organizations in Fort Collins’ thriving arts community.
- Perform music from a variety of historical/ style periods and exhibit advanced skills for musical self-expression in juried performances. These skills include techniques, musicianship, tone, diction/articulation, style, interpretation, and artistry.
- Understand advanced common elements and organizational patterns of music, including a wide variety of musical forms, processes, and structures.
- Identify music history and repertory and representative composers and works from each on a defined evaluation instrument.
- Analyze music through tonal and post-tonal techniques.
Music Audition
In addition to applying to CSU through Graduate Admissions, a successful audition with CSU Music faculty is required for entrance into the M.M., Performance Option. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.
Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs are open to all CSU students. Ensemble audition excerpts and instructions are available at Ensemble Audition Information (some ensembles do not require an audition).
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Music Program Fee
A music program fee is assessed with Undergraduate and graduate music and musical theatre majors and music minors, per semester. Does not apply to the following students: online degree students and summers-only master's degree students. . Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.
.
Effective Fall 2022
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MU 517 | Tonal Analytic Techniques | 3 |
| or MU 518 | Post-Tonal Analytic Techniques | |
| MU 630 | Methods of Music Research | 3 |
| MU 671 | Graduate Recital | 1 |
| Select 12 credits from the following: 1,2 | 12 | |
| Applied Music Instruction: Euphonium | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: French Horn | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Trombone | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Trumpet | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Tuba | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Harpsichord | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Organ | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Piano | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Percussion | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Guitar | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Harp | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: String Bass | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Viola | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Violin | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Violoncello | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Voice | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Bassoon | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Clarinet | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Flute | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Oboe | ||
| Applied Music Instruction: Saxophone (Alto) | ||
| MU 696I | Group Study: Performance | 2 |
| MU *** | Music History 1 | 3 |
| MU *** | Music Literature 1,3 | 2 |
| Electives 1 | 6 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 32 | |
A minimum of 32 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Select course(s) with approval of advisor and graduate committee.
- 2
Majors in vocal performance are required to be proficient in Italian, German, and French singing diction as well as the use of International Phonetic Alphabet upon entering the program, or to take the appropriate coursework to make up deficiency as soon as possible. In addition, they should have academic proficiency in two of the following languages other than English: French, Italian, and German. The level of proficiency for each language must be equal to a grade of “B” or better.
- 3
Music literature course(s) will be in the student’s major instrument or voice. Course requirements include a paper, copies of which will be distributed to the graduate committee as a sample of the student’s scholarship.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |