John Davis

On behalf of the faculty, staff, studentsÌý²¹²Ô»å supporters of the °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼ College of Music, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our website—and to our community. For nearly a century, our highly active faculty of professional performers, composersÌý²¹²Ô»å scholars haveÌýcommitted themselvesÌýto helping students develop their talents, refine their passionsÌý²¹²Ô»å ultimately succeed in their musical endeavors. The college is indeed a very special place, as I have been discovering since coming here in 1999 to direct the jazz studies program.

This website offers a look into the breadth and quality of our programs, including a full range of bachelor’s, master’sÌý²¹²Ô»å doctoral programs. Students may study performance (brass, percussion, jazz, keyboard, strings, voiceÌý²¹²Ô»å woodwinds), composition, music educationÌý²¹²Ô»å musicology (music history) at the undergraduate level. All of these areas, plus conducting, collaborative pianoÌý²¹²Ô»å music theory, are offered at the graduate level. An extensive array of classes and ensembles complementsÌýthe highly individualized instruction offered throughout the college. Students can also take advantage of to hear world-class performances, the Entrepreneurship Center for Music to develop the skills and tools necessary to create sustainable careers in the arts, the Howard B. Waltz Music Library that houses one of the largest music research collections in the country, the unique resources of the Ìý²¹²Ô»å the Musicians’ Wellness Program, designed to increase understanding of the physical aspects of performance andÌýprevent injuries. Of additional interest are the Eklund Opera Program that mounts several fully staged operas each year, our extensive community engagement opportunities, the Ritter Family Classical Guitar Program, the world-renowned Takács Quartet’s residency at the college,Ìýthe award-winning Thompson Jazz Studies Program and the Roser Piano and Keyboard Program.

Also making studying music at the °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼ so special are our universal musician mission andÌýthe numerous opportunities students are afforded by attending the state’s flagship university (the only member of the prestigious in Colorado). CUÌýBoulder has a proud tradition of research and academic excellence underscored by five Nobel laureates. The City of Boulder also frequently acquires top rankings in the arts, education, health, well-beingÌý²¹²Ô»å quality of life. Nearby are some of the world’s best hiking and skiing, unlimited mountain viewsÌý²¹²Ô»å the major urban area of Denver, just 25 miles away.

Choosing the right college can be a daunting task. Bear in mind that the personal and professional relationships you develop with your teachers and peers can have a tremendous impact on your future successes; our faculty, staffÌý²¹²Ô»å I welcome your interest in the °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼ College of Music, and are happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and activities.

With best wishes,

John Davis
Dean, College of Music
musicdean@colorado.edu