Apply / Audition
Graduate School
Applicants seeking admission to the Master's of Music program, please visit our online application to apply.
If you are an M.M. in Vocal/Instrumental Performance, you must also register for an in-person audition with CSU Music faculty.
Additional Information
In addition to the general admission requirements set by the Graduate School, applicants must fulfill the following requirements set by the School:
- Applicants electing the performance or conducting options must audition in person for area faculty.
- Applicants electing music education, music education with Kodály emphasis, or music therapy may audition in person or submit a recording.
- the School will be in contact once we receive your complete application to schedule an audition.
- The Graduate Record Exam test is not required for entrance into the University or Music Program.
- Diagnostic exams in music theory and music history are required of all incoming graduate students, except those pursuing music therapy. The purpose of the diagnostic examinations is to determine whether students are prepared to undertake history and theory courses at the graduate (500+) level. On the basis of these examinations, MU334, MU335, and/or MU412 may be required as prerequisites for 500 level courses in music history and music theory.These examinations are critically important. Diligent preparation and review can significantly improve your performance on them. Study guides for both exams are posted on this page. If you are required to take remedial courses, they will provide a valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and sharpen your skills. The diagnostic examinations may be repeated once.
- Note: Students who do not take exams and/or who fail an exam or exams a second time, will automatically enrolled in the appropriate remedial courses in music history and music theory.
Please submit your application and all associated materials by Feb. 1 for full consideration.
Submit Application Materials
- After submitting your online application and paying your application fee, submit your supporting materials to complete your application.
Common materials required for all music graduate degree applications:
- One transcript for each collegiate institution where credit was received; Unofficial transcripts are accepted on the application. If the prospective student is admitted, official transcripts will be requested and required (use institution code 4075). Colorado State University transcripts are not required.
- Three letters of recommendation – the application will ask for the names and email addresses of your recommenders, not the actual letter.
- Statement of purpose/professional goals; please include specific reasons for applying to the CSU degree program (2-3 pages).
- Answer the following question directly in the grad application: How does your lived experience inform your skillset as related to our program?
- Current resume
- Applicants are encouraged to review the Graduate School's Admissions Requirements and Procedures.
- Additional unique materials may be required by each degree.
For documents that cannot be uploaded, submit materials directly to:
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
Graduate Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
Check Your Application Status
View the status of your application at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or check on updates.
Audition Information by Instrument
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Double Bass
- Flute
- Guitar
- Harp
- Horn
- Keyboard
- Oboe
- Organ and Liturgical Studies
- Percussion
- Saxophone
- Trombone
- Tuba and Euphonium
- Trumpet
- Voice
- Violin
- Viola
Additional Audition Information by Area (for Performance, see instrument)
Fall 2025 Start Performance Audition Dates
- Saturday, Jan. 25 – virtual morning/in-person afternoon
- Saturday, Feb. 15 – in person only, all-day
- Monday, Feb. 17 – virtual only, afternoon
- Saturday, Feb. 22 – in person only, all-dayApplications submitted after Feb. 22 will be considered on a space-available basis.
Your program audition is also your scholarship audition. Results and scholarship offers will be sent by email by the end of March.
In-person Audition Details
- All prospective M.M. Performance students will submit an application through the Acceptd audition portal. The audition portal will open in September.
- Please refer to the audition requirements and suggested repertoire for your instrument as listed below and on the area web pages.
- Once the application is complete, you will schedule your live audition and interview sessions.
Virtual Audition Details
PLEASE NOTE: VIRTUAL AUDITIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PERCUSSION STUDENTS. PERCUSSION AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN-PERSON ONLY.
- All prospective students choosing to audition virtually will submit an application and video audition through the Acceptd audition portal.
- Please refer to the audition requirements and suggested repertoire for your instrument as listed below and on the area web pages.