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Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

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BM Performance

Brass

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity 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

Brass & Percussion Area Coordinator: Michael Hengst, Professor of Trumpet

Brass majors fulfill their ensemble requirement in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, or Symphony Orchestra

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

2.56

Avg GPA (W)

99%

Admit Rate

school-wide

32%

Grad Rate

15K

Enrollment

$52K

Earnings

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 1h ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

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

Training

Brass & Percussion Area Coordinator: Michael Hengst, Professor of Trumpet

Brass majors fulfill their ensemble requirement in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, or Symphony Orchestra

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

Brass & Percussion Area Coordinator: Michael Hengst, Professor of Trumpet

Brass majors fulfill their ensemble requirement in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, or Symphony Orchestra

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

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 audition gate after enrollment. The gateway source documents the post-enrollment gate; admission requirement details may be separate.Gateway source

Repertoire

A piece, excerpt, or movement from the standard repertoire that best demonstrates your ability

A second, contrasting piece that best demonstrates your ability

Scales & Technique

Three major scales, played two octaves where able

Auditions · 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 instrument audition

No separate program application form needed beyond the university application

Stage 1: Pass the audition for entry into MUS 1710 Private Instruction I (required for all music majors)

Stage 2: Pass the Music Performance Audition upon completion of MUS 1720 Private Instruction II (formal admission to the Performance major)

Placement

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

A Class Piano Placement Exam is also available for course placement

Transfer Pathway

All incoming and transfer music majors must pass an audition on their primary instrument to enter private instruction, and Performance majors complete a second Music Performance Audition 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

Audition Process

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

Performance majors must also pass the Music Performance Audition after completing MUS 1720 Private Instruction II for formal admission to the major

Choose either an in-person audition or an online (recorded) submission

What to Expect (in-Person)

Held in January, February, and August at the King Center on the Auraria Campus

Approximately 12 minutes in length

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in — practice rooms available for warm-up

Appropriate attire expected

Results emailed within one week

Online Auditions

Record repertoire, upload as unlisted YouTube videos, and submit the online audition application with the video links

Accepted continuously; results returned within three weeks

Contact

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

Contact

Brass and Percussion Area Coordinator: Michael Hengst, mhengst@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

2.56

Avg GPA (W)

99%

Admit Rate

school-wide

32%

Grad Rate

15K

Enrollment

$52K

Earnings

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

Brass & Percussion Area Coordinator: Michael Hengst, Professor of Trumpet

Brass majors fulfill their ensemble requirement in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, or Symphony Orchestra

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 1h ago