CU Denver Summer Music Industry Program

The CU Denver Summer Music Industry Program is designed to offer High School students a window into what it takes to be a musician today—the instrumental and technological skills, the artistry, the joy of meaningful relationships with peers, the discipline and hard work, the inspiration derived from connecting to nature and being of service to community, and the empowerment of fulfilling a creative vision.

In a two-week microcosm of contemporary musicianship on a college campus with world-class facilities, the program will mirror the best of what CAM’s Music & Entertainment Industry Studies department has to offer. Ensembles will join with recording arts and music business students to create a demo recording, craft a live show, an electronic press kit, and a business plan. All students will receive two private lessons, and be immersed in daily core skills classes--keyboard workstation lab and songwriting. Core skills will pre-tested and post-tested to measure students’ progress. Students will study with CU Denver faculty, and experience a masterclass and concert from a renowned guest artist. Also, students will be exposed to ideas and activities that develop the holistic life of a musician, including stretching, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, offering community service, and exploring cognition and effective skill development.

Since it’s inception in 1998, the CU Denver College of Arts & Media (CAM) has been a thriving element in one of Colorado’s most reputable institutions. With its core mission to intersect art, technology, and commerce, CAM continues to facilitate the development of a diverse student population in Denver, a city whose arts community stirs nearly 2 billion dollars of economic activity a year. The Music and Entertainment Industry Studies department embraces a contemporary approach to developing skill sets that can turn students into highly successful professionals in today’s music industry. Alumni include Isaac Slade and members of The Fray, members of Devotchka, the Flobots, award-winning instrumentalists and songwriters, managers, booking agents, studio engineers, and more.

Students who successfully complete the two-week Summer Music Industry Program may be eligible to receive college credit if they attend CU Denver.

The CU Denver Summer Music Industry Program will offer overnight and commuter options, and significant scholarships for families with demonstrated economic hardships. Competitive merit scholarships may also be available.