Music MM
- Master's
- MM
- In-Person
- Mostly Online
- Greeley
- Online
- Collaborative Piano
- Conducting
- Conducting (Low Residency)
- Instrumental Performance
- Jazz Studies
- Music Composition
- Music Education (Hybrid and In-Person)
- Music History and Literature
- Music Theory
- Vocal Performance
New: Conducting concentration (low-residency), M.M.
Applications accepted through May 15. Apply or request information online.
Program Overview
Join our exciting and supportive environment of over 350 students! You鈥檒l receive expert instruction from diverse and talented faculty and the chance to grow tremendously as a musician. We build on a long legacy of musical training for leading performers, educators and scholars. You will be part of a community that values both artistic excellence and comprehensive skill-building.
Our Master of Music degree will enhance your performance skills and push you academically to prepare you for the next level of your career. We offer concentrations in the following areas:
- Music education
- Instrumental performance
- Vocal performance
- Jazz studies
- Music theory
- Music composition
- Music history and literature
- Collaborative piano
- Conducting
Concentrations
From classical to jazz, chamber music to opera, UNC’s music program offers opportunities to develop your artistry across multiple styles.
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Work with vocalists and instrumentalists as an ensemble performer. Train in vocal coaching, chamber music and accompaniment techniques. Perfect for pianists who want to specialize in collaborative performance or prepare for doctoral studies.
You’ll learn: Vocal coaching, chamber music literature, ensemble performance, recital techniques
Career paths: Doctoral programs, ensemble performance, secondary school teaching, private lessons
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Create original music and develop your unique compositional voice. Work in our state-of-the-art sound studios and hear your compositions performed by talented musicians. The program ends with a recital of your original work.
You’ll learn: Musical structure, compositional analysis, electronic music, aural skills
Career paths: Doctoral studies, professional composer or arranger, original scholarship
Special opportunity: Open Space Festival of New Music featuring guest composers and performers
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Lead instrumental or choral ensembles with advanced conducting training. Develop your technique, score study skills and rehearsal methods while working with UNC’s acclaimed music ensembles.
You’ll learn: Conducting technique, score analysis, rehearsal methods, ensemble leadership
Career paths: Music director positions, doctoral programs, secondary school music education
Flexible options: Traditional on-campus or a Low-Residency concentration that is
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Master your instrument and develop as a professional performer. Available for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, bass, piano and guitar. Graduate with a public recital showcasing your artistry.
You’ll learn: Advanced technique, music history and theory, teaching methods, performance skills
Career paths: Doctoral programs, performing career, private instruction, secondary teaching
Opportunities: Regular performances with UNC’s acclaimed ensembles, touring opportunities
Learn more about the following Instrumental Performance areas of study:
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Join an award-winning program with more than 170 Downbeat Magazine student awards and a Grammy nomination. Train in performance, composition, arranging and improvisation with internationally respected faculty.
You’ll learn: Jazz improvisation, composition and arranging, jazz pedagogy, ensemble performance
Career paths: Doctoral programs, professional musician, community college teaching, private instruction
Ensembles: Five big bands, vocal ensembles, small combos, jazz guitar ensemble
Special recognition: One vocal ensemble received a Grammy nomination—the first for a college music group
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Designed for K-12 music teachers who want to deepen their teaching skills and content knowledge. Study current innovations while exploring historical traditions. Available fully on campus or through a low-residency program with online courses and six-week summer intensive.
You’ll learn: Advanced teaching techniques, curriculum trends, educational psychology, multicultural education
Career paths: Leadership roles, higher-paying positions, improved classroom outcomes, doctoral studies
Flexible options: Traditional on-campus or
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The Music MM: Music History and Literature concentration strives to prepare students thoroughly to apply for and pursue a doctoral degree at a major university. Students receive the close attention of internationally recognized faculty and study music across cultures and time periods. The degree culminates in a master’s thesis based on original research.
You’ll learn: Research methods and scholarship, scholarly writing, music history pedagogy, and advanced teaching
Career paths: Doctoral programs in musicology, secondary school teaching, research and scholarship
Recent graduate placements: University of 黑料社区, University of Oregon, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Cincinnati, Eastman School of Music
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Develop expertise in musical analysis, form and aural skills. Work with the latest technologies and concepts in music theory. Complete a master’s thesis based on original research.
You’ll learn: Advanced musical structure, analysis, educational concepts, research methods
Career paths: Doctoral programs, composer or arranger, scholarly research
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Train your voice and develop as a professional performer. Sing in two fully staged operas each year and perform with four choral ensembles. Study vocal pedagogy to prepare for teaching or doctoral studies. Complete diction proficiency in German, French and Italian.
You’ll learn: Vocal technique, opera, art songs, vocal pedagogy, diverse repertoire
Career paths: Professional performance, studio teaching, doctoral programs
Performance opportunities: Two fully staged operas annually, four choruses, 200-plus cultural events per year
Why Choose UNC for Music?
Performances Annually
UNC's music scene is powerful and thriving. You'll perform alongside accomplished faculty, internationally recognized guest artists and talented students at every level鈥攁ll in state-of-the-art venues right on campus.
All-Steinway School
You'll play on more than 90 Steinway & Sons pianos throughout our classrooms, practice rooms and performance spaces. UNC was the first public 黑料社区 university and one of only a few schools in the region to earn the prestigious All-Steinway School designation鈥攁nd we maintain that standard of excellence because you deserve the best instruments for your education.
Graduate Assistantship Positions
Your graduate education shouldn't come with overwhelming debt. UNC offers competitive funding opportunities 鈥� including assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships. doctorate without sacrificing your financial future.
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How to Apply
- Complete your UNC application online
- Complete the College of Performing Arts form
- Submit required supplemental materials, which may include:
- Resume
- Statement of Goals
- Writing/research samples
- Score composition samples
- Submit a pre-screening audition video, if applicable (view audition requirements)
- Complete your interview or audition, if applicable (live or by video)
See complete requirements for College of Performing and Visual Arts Admissions
Interested in our Mostly Online Music programs?
Music Education
Take your teaching and musicianship to the next level with UNC鈥檚 Master of Music in Music Education, which is mostly online. Designed for K鈥�12 music teachers, this nationally recognized program builds your skills for leadership, advanced teaching roles and higher earning potential.
In this hybrid program you will enjoy the convenience of online delivery for most of the year, and join us for in-person summer sessions.
Conducting (Low-Residency)
Ready to elevate your impact as a music educator or ensemble director?
This specialized graduate program focuses exclusively on conducting, with tracks in Choral or Instrumental Conducting. Designed for working professionals, it blends flexible study with immersive Summer Intensives.
Develop advanced leadership and rehearsal techniques, deepen your score analysis and aural skills across diverse ensembles, and gain practical experience in auditioning, repertoire building, technology integration, and program management for real-world music settings.
Create. Perform. Engage.
UNC offers more than two dozen ensembles, from choirs to opera theatre.
Learn, practice, produce and perform in state-of-the-art facilities, including our newest space, Campus Commons Performance Hall.
Locally grown festivals. Nationally touring acts. Ever-changing exhibits. Across the university and throughout Northern 黑料社区 and beyond, you can immerse yourself in the arts.
Have questions? We're Here to Help!
- PVA@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2993
- Frasier Hall
Jill Burleson Burgett
Professor of Music, Director of Choral Studies