Auditioning before admission is granted to UCSB is a secondary application required for students applying for entrance into the Bachelor of Music (BM) programs only. 

Students interested in the Bachelor of Art in Music Studies and/or taking lessons in a faculty studio are also welcome to audition to see if they are likely to qualify for lessons in a faculty studio. Lessons for students not enrolled in the BM programs are granted with instructor approval on a space-available basis.

Freshman applicants are not required to have prior coursework before entering into UCSB. A 4 or 5 score on the AP Music Theory exam is considered the equivalent to Music 11, and students with this score can begin the MUS 5 series upon entrance.

Incoming BM majors with limited or no music theory training may want to consider taking Music 11 in the Summer prior to entrance. UCSB offers a Freshman Summer Start Program that may be very beneficial to your studies.

All incoming Music Majors will take a Music Theory and Musicianship Exam during the pre-instruction week of Fall quarter to confirm placements.

Return to the Fall '24 Audition Page

Audition Requirements for Incoming Freshman, by Instrument

Please note all audition requirements may change year to year, information posted here is to be used as a guide. Current requirements will be posted on the audition sign-ups.

BM Emphases in Voice

Minimum of two songs or arias, one in a foreign language. (Art songs or arias only: no popular, folk-song, or musical comedy.) Provide one copy of music for the accompanist.

BM Emphases in Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, And Tuba

Two or more contrasting works from the standard literature for your instrument.

Demonstrate technical proficiency through chromatic and major scales, arpeggios and/or etudes.

Optional: Orchestral excerpts of your choice.

BM Emphases in Oboe

Two or more contrasting solo works of differing time periods which exemplify technical, lyrical, and artistic excellence on your instrument. Demonstrate technical proficiency through chromatic and major scales, arpeggios and/or etudes. Optional: Orchestral excerpts of your choice.

BM Emphases in Double Bass, Cello, Viola, and Violin

Two or more contrasting works from the standard literature for your instrument, demonstrating technical proficiency.

BM Piano Emphasis

Three contrasting works from different historical periods.

BM Composition Emphasis

Students who wish to audition for entrance into the BM, Composition program, a live audition is not required. However auditioning to determine lesson eligibility is encouraged.

For your audition into the BM Composition, please create a single PDF portfolio with the documents listed below and links to your work, which should be available for viewing online.

Your portfolio must include:

  • Statement of Objective as composition major

  • Three works, submitted with score (.pdf) and a link to recording, or separate (.mp3 or .wav)

  • Complete List of Works, indicating any performances and recording

BM Percussion

Timpani: Applicable etudes from any of the following methods/solos (or similar) -

Fundamental Method for Timpani, Mitchell Peters
Intermediate Timpani Studies, Mitchell Peters
The Complete Timpani Method, Friese/Lepak
Exercises, Etudes, and Solos for Timpani, Raynor Carroll
The Solo Timpanist, Vic Firth
Modern Method for Timpani, Saul Goodman

Snare Drum: Etudes or Solos from any of the following methods/solos (or similar) - 

Portraits in Rhythm, Anthony Cirone
Intermediate Snare Drum Studies, Mitchell Peters
Advanced Snare Drum Studies, Mitchell Peters

Mallets: Applicable solo (2 and/or 4 mallets) for marimba, from the following (or similar) - 

Modern School for Xylophone Marimba and Vibraphone, Morris Goldenberg
Fundamental Method for Mallets, Vol 1, Mitchell Peters
Masterpieces for Marimba, Thomas McMillan (editor)