Program Overview
College of Performing and Visual Arts
Director: Carissa Reddick, Ph.D.
Associate Director: Erik Applegate, M.M.
Location: Frasier Hall 108
Telephone: 970-351-2993
Website: arts.unco.edu/music/
Graduate Coordinator: Deborah Kauffman, D.M.A.
Doctor of Arts in Music candidates will take written and oral comprehensive examinations at a time approved by the major advisor.
This program emphasizes philosophy, psychology, contemporary and past history, and research. It also includes scholarship and musicianship through study in the areas of music history and literature, theory, composition, and performance.
This program area places primary emphasis on a comprehensive working knowledge of contemporary music education practices in public schools and college music programs, and/or community cultural life.
Each new student entering a graduate program in music at the University of Northern Colorado is required to take placement examinations in Music Theory and Aural Skills, and the student’s major area. For students entering the Music Education degree, the major area will be Music Education. Graduate students who do not pass the theory placement exam must enroll in MUS 401. Graduate students who do not pass the aural skills placement exam must enroll in MUS 402. All students must either pass the theory and aural skills exam OR pass; MUS 401 and/or; MUS 402 with a grade of C or better before they can enroll in graduate-level theory classes or graduate from their programs.
The Doctor of Arts degree provides options for advanced study in the areas of music history and literature, composition, conducting, and performance (with an optional concentration in pedagogy.
The Doctor of Arts in Music at UNC is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) established by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). In most cases, WRGP students pay tuition at resident student rates; prospective D.A. students may direct inquiries concerning the WRGP to the School of Music.
For additional information, see “Doctor of Arts Sequence and Check List” published by the School of Music.
Prospective music education graduate students, in addition to following current Graduate School and School of Music application procedures, should submit the following directly to the Music Education Chair in order to be considered for admission to the UNC Music Education Graduate Program:
- One 30-45 minute video or DVD that is representative of the applicant's teaching abilities. Applicants should include a 10-15 minute performance segment that is representative of their performing ability on their primary instrument or voice. Applicants should select two pieces of contrasting style for the performance segment.
- Three letters of recommendation addressing teaching abilities, potential for success in graduate studies, musicianship, and collegiality.
Admission
Location: Greeley
Start Term: Fall
General Doctoral Degree Admission Requirements
Music D.A.-Music Education Concentration
Admission Deadline
Starts Each Fall Term
Audition days fill quickly, so you are encouraged to complete the application as soon as possible in order to secure an audition date and time. Information regarding audition requirements, repertoire and faculty contact information are also available on the application. The School of Music recommends that you complete your application by Jan. 1 for full consideration. Applications submitted after Jan. 1 will be considered, but early application is recommended.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must apply to the Graduate School at the University of Northern Colorado before the program area reviews the applicant’s request for admission. Failure to submit all required materials will delay the evaluation and screening of your application.
Each applicant must:
Take the following steps to be considered for admission:
Step 1: Complete the Application
Complete the online application.
- Answer the application questions.
- Send your requests for letters of recommendation.
- Request three (3) academic or professional letters of recommendation from those who can attest to your musical and academic potential and abilities. You will be asked to supply information for your recommenders in the application.
- Video, recordings or links may need to be uploaded depending on your program and instrument/area while completing the application. For specifics, please visit the School of Music website.
- Submit the application and pay the non-refundable application fee.
- Domestic Students: $50 non-refundable application fee
- International Students: $50 non-refundable application fee
- The Graduate School is waiving application fees for all current UNC students and alumni! (The waiver applies only to the UNC Graduate School application.) Click for details.
Once you submit your application you will be assigned an Admissions Portal, allowing you to upload supplemental items, as listed below, and track your application through the admissions process.
Step 2: Request Transcripts
Request one official transcript from any Institutionally Accredited college or university where a bachelor’s degree or higher was earned or is in progress (if you have earned multiple degrees, bachelor’s level or higher, an official transcript is required from each college or university where a degree was conferred). If you received a degree from UNC, you do not need to request a transcript from UNC. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request that applicants provide official transcripts from other colleges or universities as needed. Applicants who have earned or are directly pursuing a higher degree from a regionally accredited institution without receiving a bachelor’s degree (e.g., PharmD) may be eligible to apply to the Graduate School without the conferral of a bachelor’s degree.
Exceptions: If an applicant intends to use Veteran’s Education Benefits, an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended will be required in order to maintain compliance with Veteran’s Affairs policies.
Official transcripts from U.S. institutions should be sent via mail directly from the educational institution in an unopened, sealed envelope or through an electronically secure digital program from the issuing institution.
Mailed transcripts should be sent to:
University of Northern Colorado
Office of Admissions
Campus Box 10
501 20th St
Greeley, CO 80639
Electronic transcripts from U.S. institutions should be sent directly from the educational institution to: grad.admissions@unco.edu.
The Office of Admissions does not accept email, scanned or PDF transcripts directly from applicants. All official transcripts, submitted as part of the application process, are retained by UNC and not returned to applicants or admitted students.
UNC retains submitted transcripts, from institutions other than UNC, for admitted students for up to five years after graduation or date of last attendance at UNC. Transcripts provided by applicants who were not admitted, denied admissions or did not complete their application are destroyed after one (1) year. The Office of Admissions will make every attempt to use previously submitted transcripts if they are within these timeframes. However, if the Office of Admissions cannot locate previously submitted transcripts, the transcripts fall outside the timeframes listed above or they are considered illegible, applicants must provide new transcripts.
Applicants with academic credentials from outside the U.S. will need to follow therequirements for submission of foreign transcripts. Click on the Transcripts tab for information about international transcripts.
Step 3: Note About the GRE
This program does not require GRE scores.
Step 4: Supplemental Items
Log back into the Admissions Portal to upload any music specific requirements. Visit the School of Music website for a full listing of supplemental music requirements.
International applicants (non-U.S. citizen/non-U.S. Permanent Resident) please refer to the International Admissions Requirements page for further information about submitting transcripts, English proficiency scores, passport copy and financial documentation.
For More Information
For more information about the admission process, please email the Office of Admissions at grad.admissions@unco.edu or call 970-351-2881.