The 2026–27 admissions cycle and online application for Fall 2026 in now open!

The Department of Music is only accepting applications for admission to the MA and PhD in the areas of Composition, Musicology, Music Theory, and Ethnomusicology.  On the performance side, we are accepting applications to the MM in Strings-Cello, the MM in Strings-Viola, the MM in Strings-Violin, MM in Voice, and MM in Collaborative Piano.

No applications will be accepted to any DMA program or any program not listed in bold above for Fall 2026.

Most of the degrees in performance require a prescreening audition. Please check the requirements for specific programs or instruments below.  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 admissions application deadline is January 10 and final application deadline is April 1, it is best to submit all application materials, especially prescreen recordings, as early as possible.

Most applicants are required to do a live audition (upon invitation based on the prescreening).  These live auditions may take place during scheduled audition days or individually scheduled between the applicant and the faculty member.  The 2026 audition days are scheduled on Saturday January 24, 2026 for all strings applicants and Saturday January 31, 2026 for all other programs.

 

Voice

Applications for the MM in Voice will be accepted for Fall 2026.

Prescreening:

Please submit a video recording of 5 pieces from the classical vocal repertoire performed from memory, showing contrasting languages, historical periods and musical styles, vocal skills, and interpretive/acting ability.  Repertoire must include 1 aria, and 4 art songs in Italian, French, German, and English. Please announce the title and composer of each piece.

The deadline for the prescreen video is the same as the regular application deadline for admission.  Apply by January 10th with a complete application for priority consideration to the MM program.  The final deadline to apply is April 1st.

The prescreening recordings are reviewed by all faculty members of the Voice area.  If invited for a live audition, scheduling will be done directly with the head of the Voice Area, Professor Isabel Bayrakdarian.  For any questions regarding the pre-screening recordings or live audition, please contact bayrakdarian@music.ucsb.edu

Live Audition:

A live, in person audition (upon invitation) is required for all MM applicants.  Be prepared to sing, from memory, up to 30 minutes from the classical vocal repertoire, such as art songs and opera or oratorio arias.  The following criteria must be met:

  • Two pieces must be opera arias.

  • One piece must be composed before 1800

  • One piece must be composed between 1800-1899

  • One piece must be composed after 1900

  • Though not a requirement, a piece composed after 2000 would be highly desirable.

  • Four languages must be represented in your repertoire: Italian, French, German, and English

You may include selections from your pre-screening recording in your live audition, but it is not mandatory that the same pieces be used in both your pre-screening and live auditions, as long as the repertoire criteria is met.

All selections are expected to represent classical vocal technique and repertoire (not pop, rock, jazz, or Broadway “belting”) that show contrasting styles, tempi, and mood, and which demonstrate your ability as an actor.

Piano Accompanying

Applications for the MM in Piano Accompanying will be accepted for Fall 2026.

Prescreening Recording:

Applicants are required to upload a pre-screen recording to the UCSB Application portal (instructions above). The content of the recording should be approximately 30 minutes in length and should include the following repertoire:

1. One movement of an accompanied instrumental sonata (strings, woodwinds, or brass)

2. Three contrasting art songs or arias that demonstrate different styles/periods and languages. 

3. A Solo piano composition of choice.

For requirements 1 and 2 above, recordings must be made with an instrumentalist and singer(s). You may upload a recent unedited recital or studio recording. If successful, the applicant may then be invited for an in-person live audition. 

The pre-screen recordings are reviewed by faculty members in the keyboard department. The deadline for the pre-screen video recording is the same as the regular application deadlines for admission (priority deadline of January 10 and final deadline of April 1).

If invited for a live audition based on the pre-screening recording, scheduling will be done directly with Professor Robert Koenig. For any questions regarding repertoire for pre-screening recordings or live audition, or any requests for substitute repertoire, please contact him at: rkoenig@music.ucsb.edu.

Live Audition

Live audition (upon invitation) is required for all MM applicants. Applicants will be provided with appropriate partners to rehearse and perform with at their live audition.

The MM live audition will be approximately 30 minutes in length and will include a short interview with the applicant. The repertoire should include a complete instrumental sonata (strings, woodwind, or brass), three contrasting art songs or arias that demonstrate different styles/periods and languages, and a solo piano composition of choice. The repertoire chosen for the pre-screening recording and the live audition may be the same. 

Strings

Applications for the MM in Strings-Cello, the MM in Strings-Viola, and the MM in Strings-Violin will be accepted for Fall 2026.

Prescreening Recording

Applicants are required to upload a prescreen video recording into the UCSB Graduate Application (instructions above). The content of the recording should be at least 30 minutes to include contrasting movements of solo Bach, one movement of a Concerto, one movement of a Sonata and one short work written after 1980.  You may upload a recent recital or studio recording - but it should be live and without edits. If successful, the candidate may then be invited to give an in person audition.

The prescreening recordings are reviewed by the relevant faculty member in the strings area.  The deadline for the prescreen video is the same as the regular application deadlines for admission (priority deadline of January 10 and final deadline of April 1). If invited for a live audition based on the prescreening recording, scheduling will be done through the appropriate studio professor. For any questions regarding repertoire for prescreening recordings or live audition or any requests for substitute repertoire, please contact Jennifer Kloetzel. 

Live Audition

Live audition (upon invitation) is required for all MM applicants.

The MM live audition will be approximately 30 minutes and should include at least two contrasting movements of solo Bach, a complete sonata, one movement from a concerto and a short work written after 1980. 

If candidates are interested in the Young Artists String Quartet or Young Artists Piano Quartet program, please include an example of chamber music as part of your prescreening audition. This can be any form of chamber music where you can be heard prominently.