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. 

Fall 2026 Audition Information

MUS 33/133: Thursday, September 24, 10am - 2om

MUS 31/32: Wednesday September 23, 9am - 2pm

Students interested in auditioning must contact Professor Natasha Kislenko or Professor Paul Berkowitz for the sign up link.

• 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.

Voice

Requirements for auditions and recitals

MUS 20A Elementary Voice - Group Voice:

This course is not offered in Fall 2026. It will be offered again in Winter 2027 (Professor Brecher) and Spring 2027 (Professor Bayrakdarian).

Group Voice is designed for students interested in developing their singing voice in a supportive group setting. No prior singing experience is required, and all students are welcome to audition. Enrollment requires an audition and is limited due to class size. Students who sign up for MUS 20A will receive audition information and instructions directly from the instructor of record. Students develop fundamental vocal technique, including breathing and support, while learning practical performance strategies to build confidence on stage. Over the course of the quarter, students typically learn one or two pieces in Italian and/or English and have opportunities to perform in both group and individual settings. Depending on the instructor, students may also have opportunities to attend and engage with live vocal performances on campus or in the community as part of the course experience.

MUS 25, Intermediate Voice (Individual Lessons with Voice Faculty).

Fall 2026 Audition Information
MUS 25/125: Thursday, September 24, 12pm – 3pm, Geiringer Hall
Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848AAAF2CA2F8C70-65239972-fall#/

Intermediate Voice Lessons offer students the opportunity to work individually with a Voice Faculty instructor in weekly one-on-one lessons, developing healthy vocal technique, repertoire, musicianship, artistry, and performance skills. Open to voice majors and students from across the university, placement in a faculty studio is determined through an entrance audition, with consideration given to vocal potential, musicianship, and readiness for individualized study. Students also participate in a weekly Studio Class, performing works in progress and receiving feedback in a supportive, mini-masterclass setting. A Voice Convocation, typically held during Week 7, and Voice Juries, typically held during Week 10 (the final week of instruction) each quarter, are required and form part of the course grade. Intermediate Voice Lessons also carry a year-long choral co-requisite: students participate in Chamber Choir (MUS A36/136) for all three quarters or, upon recommendation of the Director of Choral Activities (DCA), may be placed in another choral ensemble until they are prepared to join 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 instructor for instructions. Typically portfolios are accepted in January and June for entrance the following Fall quarter. Bachelor of Music, Composition students receive priority enrollment.