Audition Information

Please note that most lessons require auditions during Fall Kickoff! Please review that page for lesson information if inquiring about lessons for Fall quarter.

World Music

World Music Instrument lessons (MUS 22D-X and 122D-X) do not require an audition to enroll. You can add the classes in GOLD without additional approval if you are registering within the registration period. Contact the instructor of the course for class meeting times if not listed in the schedule. The department offers instruction in Dastgah, Arabic Maqam, Nay, Sitar and Oud.

Strings, Winds, Brass and Percussion

STRINGS requirements for auditions and recitals

WOODWIND & BRASS BM requirements for auditions and recitals

WOODWIND & BRASS BA requirements for auditions and recitals

Unless otherwise outlined, other auditions for private instruction in strings, winds, brass, and percussion may be arranged with individual faculty members by instrument. See the Faculty By Area Directory for email contacts.

Piano

An audition is required for all lessons, with the exception of MUS 31A in Fall. 

Requirements for auditions and recitals

• Class Piano (MUS 31 A, B, C) are group lessons and available for students who already read music (both treble and bass clefs), and who have taken MUS 11 or its equivalent. Students in this series may be at a more beginning level of piano study but should be able to read music at a basic level. If you are an undergraduate bachelor of music (non-piano) major and are required to pass piano proficiency, you can either start at MUS 31A or place into B, C or out of of the 31 series via audition. For requirements and scheduling, as well as questions about 31 A-C series, please reach out to Prof. Natasha Kislenko.
• Private lessons (MUS 31X, 32 or 33/133) are for piano students who have had previous serious study in piano at the intermediate or advanced levels. Contact Prof. Natasha Kislenko for placement in MUS 31X
• If you are an advanced student, you may be able to audition for placement into  MUS 33 if there is available space. Please, direct your questions to Professor Paul Berkowitz berkowit@music.ucsb.edu. In your inquiry, discuss your piano background.
• Piano Proficiency students required to pass piano proficiency for their degree requirements should contact Prof. Natasha Kislenko to inquire about a piano proficiency exam.

Note, that piano lesson slots tend to fill up quickly and students selected for study in the Fall Quarter will automatically receive priority for study in subsequent quarters.

Fall 2025 MUS 31 Audition Link Here

Voice

Requirements for auditions and recitals

MUS 20A Elementary Voice:

Offered Winter and Spring 2026. Information TBA.

MUS 25, Intermediate Voice (Lessons with Faculty): Audition Link Here

Auditions for Intermediate Voice Lessons with Voice Faculty - MUS 25/125 -  will be taking place on Thursday September 25 from 9am-12pm, and again from 1-3pm.

Please prepare one classical piece (song or operatic aria), to be performed from memory. It can be in English or a foreign language. Candidates must bring a copy of their music for the accompanist. Only art songs or arias are allowed. No popular music, folk songs, or musical theatre repertoire.

Please note: the co-requisite for taking private lessons in the studio of a Voice Faculty is the participation in Chamber Choir (MUS A36/136). Once accepted in MUS 25/125, you must audition for the Director of Choral Activities for acceptance into the choir. Pending that audition and the recommendation of the DCA, it may be required to substitute a different choral ensemble based on musicianship skills until you are prepared to join the Chamber Choir.

Composition

Please email the instructor for placement into Music 8 or 88. Students must be able to read and write music. All levels are repeatable until students are ready for the next.

MUS 8, Elementary Composition

MUS 88, Intermediate Composition

MUS 108, Advanced Composition,
Portfolio Audition Required. Email the undergraduate advisor for instructions. Typically portfolios are accepted in January and June for entrance the following Fall quarter. Bachelor of Music, Composition students receive priority enrollment.