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Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Theatre

Dance

Composition & music studies

Music performance

Music education

Quick links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Training

Six semesters of applied composition lessons with James M. David, internationally recognized composer known for wind and percussion works

Specialized coursework in arranging, orchestration, electronic music production, and music analysis, plus applied lessons on a primary instrument or voice

Culminates in a student composition recital and a senior thesis — a major work for orchestra or large ensemble

Prepares students to write symphonic, chamber, electronic, and media music

Facilities

Music Composition Laboratory inside the University Center for the Arts, with 24-hour secure access exclusively for composition students

Pro Tools HD, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Max/MSP, Finale, Sibelius, and East-West and Tapspace sample libraries, plus score-printing and binding equipment

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.69

Admit rate

89%

school-wide

Grad rate

67%

Enrollment

25.5K

Earnings

$61K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$13,774

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$36,113

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$35,722

Before aid

Average net price

$21,279

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · thehub.colostate.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 3d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Training

Six semesters of applied composition lessons with James M. David, internationally recognized composer known for wind and percussion works

Specialized coursework in arranging, orchestration, electronic music production, and music analysis, plus applied lessons on a primary instrument or voice

Culminates in a student composition recital and a senior thesis — a major work for orchestra or large ensemble

Prepares students to write symphonic, chamber, electronic, and media music

Facilities

Music Composition Laboratory inside the University Center for the Arts, with 24-hour secure access exclusively for composition students

Pro Tools HD, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Max/MSP, Finale, Sibelius, and East-West and Tapspace sample libraries, plus score-printing and binding equipment

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Training

Six semesters of applied composition lessons with James M. David, internationally recognized composer known for wind and percussion works

Specialized coursework in arranging, orchestration, electronic music production, and music analysis, plus applied lessons on a primary instrument or voice

Culminates in a student composition recital and a senior thesis — a major work for orchestra or large ensemble

Prepares students to write symphonic, chamber, electronic, and media music

Facilities

Music Composition Laboratory inside the University Center for the Arts, with 24-hour secure access exclusively for composition students

Pro Tools HD, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Max/MSP, Finale, Sibelius, and East-West and Tapspace sample libraries, plus score-printing and binding equipment

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$65

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Fall 2027 First-Year Early Action DeadlineNov 15, 2026

Fall 2027 First-Year Regular Decision DeadlineJan 15, 2027

Fall 2027 Final First-Year Application DeadlineJul 15, 2027

Freshmen · admissions.colostate.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Auditions

Fall 2027 in-person

Music audition (afternoon)Jan 23, 2027

Music auditionFeb 13 & 20, 2027

Fall 2027 virtual (Zoom)

Audition session (morning)Jan 23, 2027

Audition session (limited)Feb 13 & 20, 2027

Audition session (afternoon)Feb 15, 2027

Undergrad Apply · music.colostate.edu

Audition Requirements

This program has a required admission audition and interview, plus a separate internal interview gate after enrollment. The gateway source documents the post-enrollment gate; admission requirement details may be separate.Gateway source

Portfolio / Creative Sample

At least two scores of original compositions only — examples of your strongest work — composed within the past five years

Each score demonstrates process alongside your general musical knowledge and background in composition

Artistic Resume

List performances, ensembles, awards, and teachers

Include a statement of purpose about your interest in studying composition at CSU

References

Provide names and email addresses of two references

Undergrad Apply · music.colostate.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit audition materials via Acceptd

Apply to CSU separately through the Office of Admissions (Common App or CSU application)

You may audition/interview concurrent with the university application

Time slots fill quickly — complete registration at least two days before your audition date

Program Requirements

Admitted students take a short online music theory diagnostic exam for course placement only — not used in the admission decision

Contact

SMTD@colostate.edu

What's The Process

Admission to Music

Submit the music audition application via Acceptd

Prospective composers audition at the Bachelor of Arts level on their primary instrument or voice for admission to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

10–15 minute playing audition and interview with an applied music faculty panel; choose in-person or virtual (Zoom)

Declaring the Composition Concentration

Complete an entrance interview with the composition faculty during the spring semester of the first year

Admission to the concentration is based on the quality of submitted scores, general musical knowledge and background in composition, and success in first-year music courses

Decisions

Acceptance and scholarship notifications released on a rolling basis

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Merit scholarships awarded based on audition/interview results and the Acceptd application

No separate audition or review for scholarships

Scholarship notifications sent by email by March 18

Accept scholarship offer by May 1

Awards are primarily funded through applied instrument/voice studios

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.69

Admit rate

89%

school-wide

Grad rate

67%

Enrollment

25.5K

Earnings

$61K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$13,774

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$36,113

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$35,722

Before aid

Average net price

$21,279

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · thehub.colostate.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Training

Six semesters of applied composition lessons with James M. David, internationally recognized composer known for wind and percussion works

Specialized coursework in arranging, orchestration, electronic music production, and music analysis, plus applied lessons on a primary instrument or voice

Culminates in a student composition recital and a senior thesis — a major work for orchestra or large ensemble

Prepares students to write symphonic, chamber, electronic, and media music

Facilities

Music Composition Laboratory inside the University Center for the Arts, with 24-hour secure access exclusively for composition students

Pro Tools HD, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Max/MSP, Finale, Sibelius, and East-West and Tapspace sample libraries, plus score-printing and binding equipment

Updated 3d ago