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Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions

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Pre-screening

All undergraduate voice applicants (excluding jazz voice) are required to submit a pre-screening video. This necessary step helps us organize many applications while ensuring respect for your time and resources. 

• Due to high applicant numbers, we strongly recommend that you submit your application on or before Dec. 1. Recordings received after Dec. 1 will be considered based on space availability.  
• Pre-screening repertoire requirements are the same as those listed below under ‘Audition Requirements.’ 
• Please prepare your video as well as you can. High quality videos without reverb are preferred.  
• Once all pre-screening videos have been reviewed, you will be notified and further instructions will be sent if you are invited to audition. 

Live audition

Live auditions (for those who pass the pre-screening) take place on three audition Saturdays in January-February here in Boulder. If you cannot attend a live in-person audition, we can consider your pre-screening recording in conjunction with a Zoom interview with the faculty.

More information about the audition process and audition days can be found .

Audition requirements (first year)

Please prepare two contrasting selections that best display your vocal talent. 

• One of the selections must be from the classical repertoire, which can include a folk song or a spiritual; the other can be either a second classical song, a musical theater number, or a jazz standard with fully-realized piano accompaniment (no lead sheets or chord symbols).  
• If you have a background in a language other than English, you are welcome to offer a selection in that language. 
• All selections must be performed from memory.  
• For pre-screening videos and recorded auditions full body must be shown. You may be disqualified if your video submission is too close-up for us to evaluate whether your selections are memorized. 
• Sight-singing and pitch-matching may be tested at the live audition. 
• A pianist will be provided for all in-person auditions. Please use a pianist or a backing track for recorded auditions.  

Please note that the voice area centers its vocal training around the classical and musical theater singing styles. We are not, at the moment, able to offer training in commercial music or contemporary pop singing. However, vocal jazz is offered through the Thompson Jazz Studies Program. Information on how to apply to that program is available here. 

Auditin requirements (transfer students)

You should prepare a brief program of 3-4 songs; the majority of these should be from the classical repertoire. Please also submit a copy of your repertoire list. 

Essay prompt  

A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:  

• Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know. 
• “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference? 

Degree sheets

Voice + opera + musical theatre

Undergraduate application instructions
​ Graduate application instructions

Pre-screening 

All voice applicants are required to submit a pre-screening video recording. The deadline for pre-screening submissions is Dec. 1. Once pre-screening videos have been reviewed, applicants will be notified if they are invited to the live audition round. The recording and live audition requirements are the same and all requirements listed below must be met in the recording.

Recording tips

• Avoid extreme close-ups and be sure to include waist-up shots. Try to balance the volume of the piano with your singing, but do not sing with a microphone or extra amplification.
• Say your name and the name of the song, monologue or dance before you begin each section.
• Upload your audition requirements as SEPARATE video files. Videos should be uploaded via the .

Live audition

Those who pass the pre-screening round will be invited to a live audition in January-February. If you cannot attend a live audition, we can consider your pre-screening recording in conjunction with a Zoom interview on one of our audition weekends.

More information about the audition process and audition weekends can be found .

Audition requirements

These requirements apply to both the pre-screening and live audition. Without all four components, your audition will be considered incomplete and you will not be considered for admission.​​

If you’re invited to perform an in-person or a virtual live audition, please be prepared to sing two full songs of your choice under 3 minutes in length and also present a 90 second monologue (please stick to monologues in the musical comedy vein). If you choose a virtual live audition, please be ready to use your own backing tracks. A pianist will be provided for all in-person auditions.

• Resumé: Upload a pdf of your full resumé, which includes any training and experience you have had in music, theatre and dance.
• Voice Video (pre-screening): Prepare two selections of musical theatre repertoire that contrast in style and decade of composition. Each cut should not exceed 90 seconds in length and must be memorized. In addition, please have the entire song available in case faulty wishes to hear the song in its entirety.
• Monologue Video: Prepare one short monologue. The monologue must be memorized and should be performed in the context of the entire play. The monologue should be no longer than 90 seconds. Choose a monologue that is appropriate for your age and experience. (Be able to discuss the play or material as a whole. You may want to select a monologue from a play, monologue books or other material.
• Dance Video*: Required of all submissions, present a 30-60 second clip of yourself moving/dancing. Your full body should be in view at all times. You may choose a cut from a musical or a dance performance in which you participated, or record something original. Any style is acceptable: musical theatre, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, etc. Wear appropriate dance attire that will show clean line. Dance music may be live or recorded. Optional, for applicants with dance training: Execute a set of plies, tendues, grand battements and pirouettes. Straightforward, simple exercises are preferred. (side view is best). Note that we will use this dance video as your final audition if you sign up for the virtual live audition date. If you sign up for an in-person date, you will dance live in front of our faculty.

*We are committed to finding a diverse group of individuals of varying skill levels in different areas. Some of you may be strong singer/actors who move well, while others may bring extensive dance training. The movement/dance portion of your audition should reflect who you are as a performer. We will accept a wide array of presentations.

Essay prompt  

A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:

• Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know. 
• “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference? 

Degree programs

Please note: The University of Colorado Bouder is fortunate to offer two different musical theatre degrees. These two degrees are the Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre (BM/MT) through the College of Music (which you are now investigating) and the Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre (BFA/MT through the College of Arts and Sciences. Both programs work closely together in course offerings and season productions. Additionally, you may be considered for both degree programs at the same audition. 

Differences between BM/MT and BFA/MT degrees

Degree sheets

Voice + opera + musical theatre