The 2026–27 admissions cycle and online application will open in September 2025. Please check back in September for program availability for Fall 2026.
For Fall 2025, the Department of Music only accepted applications for admission to the MA and PhD in Composition, the MM in Strings-Cello, the MM in Strings-Viola, and the MM in Strings-Violin.
Many of the degrees in performance require a prescreening audition. Please check the requirements for specific programs or instruments. Prescreen recordings via online links (e.g. to Youtube or equivalent postings) should be entered in a single PDF file and uploaded into the documents section of the UCSB Graduate Application (titled Prescreen Links). Please note that although the priority application deadline is January 10 and final application deadline is April 1, prescreen materials may be due earlier depending on area of emphasis (see detailed information below).
Some applicants are required to do a live audition. These live auditions may take place during scheduled audition days or individually scheduled between the applicant and the faculty member.