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Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Dance

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Music education

Quick links

BM Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Department of Music is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music

Training

The Composition major builds a foundation of classical and jazz music theory while developing arranging, orchestration, conducting, performance, and music technology skills

Composition Area Coordinator: Dr. David Farrell — works performed by the North/South Chamber Orchestra, the Playground Ensemble, and the Indiana University Symphonic Band

Performance & Productions

20+ ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Chorale

Over 200 concerts and events per year including masterclasses, competitions, and festivals

Performance opportunities as a soloist, in small groups, and in large ensembles

Facilities

King Center Concert Hall and Recital Hall

Private instruction studios, practice room suites, and music technology computer labs

Located in downtown Denver's cultural district

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

2.56

Admit rate

99%

school-wide

Grad rate

32%

Enrollment

15K

Earnings

$52K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,403

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$25,602

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$34,207

Before aid

Average net price

$15,327

After aid

Undergraduate · msudenver.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 9, 7:37 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Department of Music is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music

Training

The Composition major builds a foundation of classical and jazz music theory while developing arranging, orchestration, conducting, performance, and music technology skills

Composition Area Coordinator: Dr. David Farrell — works performed by the North/South Chamber Orchestra, the Playground Ensemble, and the Indiana University Symphonic Band

Performance & Productions

20+ ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Chorale

Over 200 concerts and events per year including masterclasses, competitions, and festivals

Performance opportunities as a soloist, in small groups, and in large ensembles

Facilities

King Center Concert Hall and Recital Hall

Private instruction studios, practice room suites, and music technology computer labs

Located in downtown Denver's cultural district

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Department of Music is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music

Training

The Composition major builds a foundation of classical and jazz music theory while developing arranging, orchestration, conducting, performance, and music technology skills

Composition Area Coordinator: Dr. David Farrell — works performed by the North/South Chamber Orchestra, the Playground Ensemble, and the Indiana University Symphonic Band

Performance & Productions

20+ ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Chorale

Over 200 concerts and events per year including masterclasses, competitions, and festivals

Performance opportunities as a soloist, in small groups, and in large ensembles

Facilities

King Center Concert Hall and Recital Hall

Private instruction studios, practice room suites, and music technology computer labs

Located in downtown Denver's cultural district

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

International Fee

$50

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Order

The audition may be submitted before the university application.

Deadline

Auditions

Music Department Audition DayFeb 20, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Online Audition (Recorded Video)Rolling

Auditions · msudenver.edu Online Auditions · msudenver.edu

Audition Requirements

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

Music Major BM · msudenver.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Enrollment

Rolling admissions with university priority deadlines

Declare the Music major via the online declaration form

Admission Pathway

University application required plus a successful primary-instrument audition for private instruction

Formal admission to the Composition major follows a composition portfolio review after MUS 3650

No separate program application form needed beyond the university application

Placement

Admitted students take a Music Theory Placement Exam (written, aural skills, and sight-singing) at orientation — for course placement only, not admission

Transfer Pathway

All incoming and transfer music majors must pass an audition on their primary instrument to enter private instruction, and Composition majors complete a composition portfolio review after MUS 3650 for formal admission — an internal enroll-then-audition pathway that does not require pre-approved transfer coursework. MSU Denver requires at least 30 resident credits to graduate.

Music Major BM · msudenver.edu

What's The Process

Admission Process

All music majors first pass an audition on their primary instrument for entry into MUS 1710 Private Instruction I

Formal admission to the Composition major is by a review of your composition portfolio upon completion of MUS 3650, Basic Techniques of Composition

The portfolio review with composition faculty is the major-admission gate, not a performance audition

Contact

Composition Area Coordinator: Dr. David Farrell

Music Department: 303-615-1010 / music@msudenver.edu

Scholarship Info

Talent Scholarships

Automatically considered through the audition for private lessons

Priority consideration for auditions before March 1

Renewable for up to four years

Named Scholarships

Multiple endowed scholarships available across instrument and voice areas

Application window: December 1 to March 1 via AcademicWorks

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

2.56

Admit rate

99%

school-wide

Grad rate

32%

Enrollment

15K

Earnings

$52K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,403

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$25,602

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$34,207

Before aid

Average net price

$15,327

After aid

Undergraduate · msudenver.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Department of Music is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music

Training

The Composition major builds a foundation of classical and jazz music theory while developing arranging, orchestration, conducting, performance, and music technology skills

Composition Area Coordinator: Dr. David Farrell — works performed by the North/South Chamber Orchestra, the Playground Ensemble, and the Indiana University Symphonic Band

Performance & Productions

20+ ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Chorale

Over 200 concerts and events per year including masterclasses, competitions, and festivals

Performance opportunities as a soloist, in small groups, and in large ensembles

Facilities

King Center Concert Hall and Recital Hall

Private instruction studios, practice room suites, and music technology computer labs

Located in downtown Denver's cultural district

Updated Sep 9, 7:37 PM