Undergraduate Overview

CSU Music is focused on the belief that music is both an artistic and intellectual pursuit. We offer intense training in specialized music disciplines combined with a balance of core music courses in music history and theory. Our renowned and versatile faculty are committed to helping students discover their own unique identities through music. We offer B.M. degrees in Music Therapy, Music Education, Music Composition, and Music Performance, as well as a B.A. in Music. Additionally, undergraduates can earn a performance-based music minor.

Welcome to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Colorado State University. 

The faculty and staff of SMTD are committed to the success of students as they prepare for careers in the creative sector of the economy as music educators, music therapists, performers, composers, and entrepreneurs. 

The School offers small academic classes and careful attention to advising within the major, assuring that each student receives a high-quality and personalized education. Music majors receive applied instruction on their instrument with highly qualified faculty beginning in their first semester of study. Students apply knowledge gained in lessons and coursework in a variety of performing ensembles. 

Because it encompasses all three of the performing arts areas, SMTD creates special opportunities for programs and courses that draw on the interdisciplinary character of the arts. 

At CSU, your performing arts education takes place in one of the nation’s finest teaching and performance facilities, the exquisite University Center for the Arts. Our facility brings together talented and committed students with a dynamic faculty and staff in a vibrant learning environment that fosters and supports creativity and growth. 

We know you’ll “find your state” at Colorado State University, and be inspired all along the way!

Colorado State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Music Careers

  • Music Therapist – Clinics
  • Music Therapist – Private Practice
  • Private Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Middle School Band Director, Choral Director, Orchestra Director
  • High School Band Director, Choral Director, Orchestra Director
  • Executive Director of Fine Arts
  • Community Music School Teacher
  • College Professor – Applied
  • Youth Orchestra Administration
  • Conductor – Community, Youth, Advanced, Education
  • Freelance Musician – Studio, Film, Vocal
  • Choral Director – Opera, Small Group, Orchestral
  • Music Therapist Clinician
  • Music Therapy – Brain Research
  • Biomedical Research in Music
  • Music Therapist – Researcher
  • Music Therapist – Private practice
  • Freelance Musician – Weddings, Corporate, Cruise Ships, Events, Busking
  • Musicology
  • Eco-Music
  • Ethnomusicology
  • Composer – Classical, Popular, Jazz, Commercial
  • Gaming Music Composition and/or Orchestration
  • Video games – Recording, Performing
  • Arranger
  • Music Editor
  • Engraver
  • Recording Industry
  • Recording Producer
  • Recording Engineer
  • Sound Engineer
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Artist Management
  • Arts Advocacy
  • Contractor
  • Personnel Manager – Orchestra, Arts Organization, Shows, Dance Company
  • Performance – Chamber Music, Soloist, Orchestral, New Music, Broadway/Musicals, Chamber Orchestra, Popular, Jazz
  • Songwriting
  • Musicians without Borders
  • Music Media
  • Digital Music
  • Music Librarian
  • Music Critic
  • Music Journalist
  • Repair Technician
  • Research fellow
  • Instrument Builder
  • Instrument Developer
  • Radio – DJ
  • Stage Management
  • Venue Owner
  • Venue Manager
  • Arts Administration – For Profit, Not-For-Profit
  • Lobbyist
  • Arts Management – Box Office, Concert Series, Programming, House Manager
  • Clinician
  • Business Owner – Music Store, Online, Instrument Sales, Music Sales, Digital Music Sales
  • Record Company
  • Lecturer
  • Grant Writer
  • Film Industry
  • Musicians Union
  • Software Development
  • Web Design
  • Collaborative Pianist