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Music DegreesAbout this Program
MSU Denver’s Bachelor of Arts degrees with concentrations in music and music theory offer vigorous study of music alongside a strong liberal arts education, equipping students with versatile skills that are highly valued in the broad spectrum of music-related careers.
Music at MSU Denver offers extensive performance opportunities with over 20 ensembles, studio instruction, and access to over 200 concerts and events per year including masterclasses with visiting artists, competitions, and music festivals.
Bachelor of Arts Concentrations
Music Concentration
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Music is less intensive than a Bachelor of Music degree and provides space in your course schedule to customize your degree to suit your personal talents or interests. Past B.A. Music students have minored in business, marketing, graphic design, or journalism to hone their skills for desired careers in the music industry or arts administration.
Music Theory Concentration
If music theory is your passion, the Bachelor of Arts extended degree in Music Theory trains you in classical and jazz music theory, composition, arranging, and orchestration.
B.A. Concentration Admission
All music majors must pass an audition on their primary instrument for entry into MUS 1710 Private Instruction I.
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Follow the semester-by-semester steps outlined in the CLAS Student Success Roadmap to ensure your success at MSU Denver.
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Extended B.A. Music Theory
View 4-Year Degree Plan (PDF)B.A. Music
View 4-Year Degree Plan (PDF)Benefits of Studying at MSU Denver
The Department of Music at MSU Denver boasts state-of-the-art performance venues and a faculty of innovative musicians, scholars, and composers. Our modern curriculum flows through classical, jazz, commercial, and global music to help you navigate the broad range of career opportunities that exist for the 21st-century musician.
MSU Denver’s music faculty are among the finest performers and educators in the nation, committed to building a familial atmosphere for students and bringing a passion for music education that will ignite your creativity and inspire you to think about music in innovative ways.
Facilities and Resources
- Concert Hall (King Center)
- Recital Hall (King Center)
- Performance Venue (Kalamath)
- Music Technology Computer Labs (Plaza and Kalamath)
- Theatre (King Center)
- Music & Dance Studio (King Center)
- Practice Room Suites
- Private Instruction Studios
- Smart Classrooms and Rehearsal Spaces
Reasons to choose us:
Our Location
Our location in vibrant Downtown Denver places you in the heart of the city’s rich and diverse cultural district. We provide ample performing opportunities both on and off campus.
Our Performances
You’ll have the opportunity to perform in fully-staged operas, musicals, and festivals hosted annually on campus like the Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival and the Jazz Celebration.
Our Partnerships
We partner with organizations such as the Colorado Wind Ensemble and the Playground Ensemble to give you experience working with professional musicians.
Career Opportunities for Our Graduates
With a B.A. degree in Music, you’ll have myriad opportunities for music-related jobs, which can be further expanded by a minor field of study.
Your Career Starts Here!
Career List Examples:
Arranger
Concert Promoter
Entertainment Attorney
Music Critic
Music Librarian
Music Therapist
Orchestrator
Piano Tuner
Publicist
Producer
Recording Engineer
Sound Designer
Tour Manager
Featured Faculty
Cherise Leiter, Professor
Cherise Leiter is an active composer whose output includes works for choir, piano, voice, carillon, orchestra and assorted chamber ensembles, her compositions have been performed throughout the United States, France, Scotland, and Japan.
Dr. Elizabeth Macy, Associate Professor
Elizabeth Macy coordinates the various world music ensembles at MSU Denver, including the gamelan orchestra Manik Kusuma, the African Drum & Dance Ensemble, and holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology from UCLA, an MA in Ethnomusicology from UC Riverside, and a BA in Music from Colorado College.
Alumni at Work
Graduates of MSU Denver’s Bachelor of Arts in Music program have launched careers as choir and church music directors, private-instruction business owners, recording studio managers, and educators in schools and universities. B.A. Music alumni have been accepted for postgraduate study at the University of Colorado Denver, Regis University, and other institutions.
Accreditation
The Department of Music at MSU Denver is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Why Choose MSU Denver
Hispanic Serving Institution
MSU Denver has 36.7% Hispanic/Latinx students which the highest number of Hispanic/Latinx students among institutions of higher education in the state of Colorado.
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
MSU Denver is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion and has been named one of the Top Colleges for Diversity by Insight Into Diversity for 10 consecutive years.
Learn more about DEI at MSU Denver
Transfer Student Leader
50% of MSU Denver students are transfers. As the top transfer destination for Coloradans, our students make an immediate impact on our workforce and community.
Learn more about MSU Denver's ExcellenceDepartment of Music
Office Location: AR 287
Phone: 303-615-1010
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Music
Campus Box 58
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362