The Music Department is currently undergoing a seismic retrofit and, during this project, the department is making necessary updates to programs and curricula. For the 2025-26 Admissions Cycle, the Department of Music will only be accepting applications for admission to the MA in Composition, the MM in Strings-Cello, 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.

 

Choral and Orchestral Conducting

NO APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED FOR CHORAL OR ORCHESTRAL CONDUCTING AT THIS TIME.

Voice

NO APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED FOR VOICE AT THIS TIME.

Keyboard

NO APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED FOR KEYBOARD AT THIS TIME.

Strings

ONLY APPLICATIONS FOR MM IN CELLO AND VIOLIN ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.

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.

Prescreening recordings are reviewed by the relevant faculty member in the strings area that is due December 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.

Woodwind & Brass

NO APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED FOR WOODWIND & BRASS AT THIS TIME.