Department of Music

The Metropolitan State University of Denver Department of Music will achieve prominence as one of the top baccalaureate music programs in the nation. This vision challenges the faculty, staff, and administration to continue to create a strong educational and learning environment for our students, while developing a strong collaboration among all of MSU Denver’s performing and visual arts programs (music, art, and theatre). 

The Department of Music at Metropolitan State University of Denver recognizes music as an essential part of a multicultural, global, and technological society. Dedicated to excellence, we seek to inspire and develop all students, with a focus on musicianship, accessibility, musical creativity, and lifelong engagement with the art. We embrace all forms of musical expression and are committed to the ideals of a liberal arts education and a professional education in music which provides students with a broad range of skills for post-graduate work and careers in and beyond the field of music. Using the city as a classroom, we engage with Denver’s vibrant artistic community through partnerships, internships, and performances.

Accessibility and Inclusivity. We believe that students of all backgrounds, interests, and disciplines should have access to a diverse, affordable, and substantive musical education. Our students learn in an environment inclusive of all identities and cultural backgrounds. We embrace the diversity of our community in performance, analysis, creation, and collaboration through meaningful study of varied musical traditions.

Musicianship and Creativity. Students need to develop musical fluency for future success. We promote creativity through active engagement in performance, composition, research and teaching, preparing them for the variety of options that exist for 21st century musicians.

Technology and Innovation. Promoting the use of technology and recognizing its place in teaching, learning, performance, and composition, we are committed to a musical education that empowers students to be innovative as musicians, future educators, graduate students, and entrepreneurs.