Music History & Literature DA
- Doctoral
- In-Person
- Greeley
Program Overview
Whether you want to take your performing career to soaring heights or plan to teach at the college level, our highly flexible Doctor of Arts in Music History & Literature will help you excel creatively and professionally.
You’ll study with a diverse group of internationally accomplished faculty and musicians and collaborate with talented classmates across disciplines. Throughout your program, you’ll develop deep expertise in your chosen area and find many chances to perform, present, conduct and compose.
With a Doctor of Arts in Music History & Literature, you’ll be prepared to:
- Pursue original scholarship, research and academic publishing
- Teach music at the college level
UNC has earned a reputation as a highly regarded training ground for music teachers and scholars. Our doctoral students have an excellent record of academic publishing, with articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Early Music, Pendragon Review, Journal of Musicological Research, Choral Journal, and ITA Journal.
They also frequently present at meetings, conferences and meetings, including the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the American Musicological Society.
Sample courses:
- Music History Pedagogy
- History of Instruments and Instrumental Practices
- Seminars for all periods of Music History
- Music Theory Pedagogy
There are some concentrations that require an advisory exam.
Music History & Literature D.A. candidates must take the following Placement Exams:
- Music theory
- Aural skills
Students who do not pass these exams must complete additional prerequisite courses.
Your Doctoral Journey
UNC has earned a reputation as a highly regarded training ground for music teachers and scholars. Our doctoral students have an excellent record of academic publishing, with articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Early Music, Pendragon Review, Journal of Musicological Research, Choral Journal, and ITA Journal.
They also frequently present at meetings, conferences and meetings, including the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the American Musicological Society.
- Music History Pedagogy
- History of Instruments and Instrumental Practices
- Seminars for all periods of Music History
- Music Theory Pedagogy
Why Choose UNC for Music?
Performances Annually
UNC's music scene is powerful and thriving. You'll perform alongside accomplished faculty, internationally recognized guest artists and talented students at every level—all in state-of-the-art venues right on campus.
All-Steinway School
You'll play on more than 90 Steinway & Sons pianos throughout our classrooms, practice rooms and performance spaces. UNC was the first public Colorado university and one of only a few schools in the region to earn the prestigious All-Steinway School designation—and we maintain that standard of excellence because you deserve the best instruments for your education.
Graduate Assistantship Positions
Your graduate education shouldn't come with overwhelming debt. UNC offers competitive funding opportunities — including assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships. doctorate without sacrificing your financial future.
Music Audition Requirements
Want to see audition requirements for a certain area? Use the buttons below to see audition requirements for the instrument or area of your choice. Or go back to the School of Music home page.
Brass Collaborative Piano Conducting Jazz Studies Music Composition Music Education Music History & Literature Music Theory Percussion Piano Strings Voice Woodwinds
Our Students & Alumni
Doctoral Student Develops Groundbreaking Theory About Chopin
"Music history turned out to be the perfect choice because I love teaching at the collegiate level and analyzing music to discover how it creates meaning and functions in society and culture. No other doctoral program offered the mentorship or opportunities that UNC did."
Jessica Castleberry '25
DA in Music - Music History & Literature
Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
- PVA@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2993
- Frasier Hall