Department of Music

Metropolitan State University of Denver is an accredited, institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Music degree with concentrations in performance and composition, a Bachelor of Music Education degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with various concentrations, and a minor in music. The Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees are professional degree programs designed for students wishing to prepare themselves for careers as performers, composers, or teachers or for further graduate study; these degrees do not require a minor. The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree is a non-professional degree with a liberal arts focus. Some BA concentrations require a minor.

The department also offers courses designed for students wishing to enhance their general understanding and enjoyment of music. In addition, students from all areas of the University are encouraged to participate in the wide variety of large and small music ensembles including band, orchestra, choir, jazz ensembles, world music ensembles and chamber music.

Bachelor of Music (B.M.)

Music Major, B.M.

The Bachelor of Music degree prepares students for further graduate studies, or for careers as performers, composers, or private studio teachers. Concentrations are available in performance and composition. To be admitted to this program, students must demonstrate the capability of developing a high level of musicianship. For admission to the performance concentration, students must pass the music performance audition upon completion of MUS 1720, Private Instruction II. For admission to the composition concentration, students must pass a review of their composition portfolio upon completion of MUS 3650, Basic Techniques of Composition.

Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.)

Music Education, B.M.E.

The Bachelor of Music Education degree prepares students for careers teaching instrumental, choral, and general music in K-12 schools, and satisfies the requirements for K-12 licensure in the State of Colorado. Students must apply for and be granted admission to the music education program prior to any enrollment in music education methods courses, supervised field experiences, and student teaching. Further information may be obtained in the Department of Music Student Handbook. Students seeking this degree must satisfy all applicable requirements of the Department of Music and the School of Professional Studies teacher education program. To become licensed, recipients of the Bachelor of Music Education degree must satisfy all applicable requirements of the teacher education and licensure programs in the School of Education. This degree program is approved by the Colorado State Department of Education and has full accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

General Requirements

Students must attain a grade of “C-” or above in all music courses required for any major or minor. Students must also attain a grade of “Satisfactory” for each semester of required recital attendance. Further information, including examination policies, procedures, and requirements, is provided in the departmental publication titled Department of Music Student Handbook. All music majors and minors should familiarize themselves with this publication, which can be found on the department’s website, msudenver.edu/music.

All students (including transfer students) wishing to major or minor in music should be prepared to take a placement assessment in music theory and to perform an audition in their primary performance area. For placement and audition appointments, contact the Department of Music at least two weeks before the beginning of the semester. Transfer students and students returning to MSU Denver should note that all prior course credits in music theory, music history, individual instruction, class piano, composition, and conducting must be evaluated in order to be accepted. Further information may be obtained in the Department of Music Student Handbook.