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.

 

Voice

NO APPLICATIONS WERE ACCEPTED FOR VOICE FOR FALL 2025.  PLEASE CHECK BACK IN SEPTEMBER FOR AVAILABILITY TO FALL 2026.

Keyboard/Piano Accompanying

NO APPLICATIONS WERE ACCEPTED FOR KEYBOARD FOR FALL 2025.  PLEASE CHECK BACK IN SEPTEMBER FOR AVAILABILITY TO FALL 2026.

Strings

ONLY APPLICATIONS FOR MM IN CELLO, VIOLA, AND VIOLIN WERE ACCEPTED FOR FALL 2025.  PLEASE CHECK BACK IN SEPTEMBER FOR AVAILABILITY TO 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 and one movement of a Sonata.  Candidate should also include one short work of their choice (virtuoso or contemporary peice).  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.  Although the due date was originally December 1, it has been extended to the regular application deadlines for fall 2025 admissions (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 preferred, though not mandatory, for MM candidates.

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

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.