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University of California - Santa Cruz

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Music

Instrumental

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Training

BM students major in a single instrument and study standard classical repertoire

Lessons offered on standard orchestral instruments, upright bass, classical guitar, and drum set

Individual applied lessons with faculty required every quarter in the program

Performance & Productions

Designed for exceptionally talented musicians pursuing a career in performance

All instrument faculty are celebrated professional musicians

University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and Experimental Music Ensemble

Chamber Music Workshop, Early Music Band, and quarterly recital-hall performances

Professional Development

Senior Recital as the comprehensive graduation requirement

Exchange program with the University of Sussex Music Department

Two juries per year for continuing review and critique

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.92

Admit rate

66%

school-wide

Grad rate

75%

Enrollment

17.9K

Earnings

$68K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$17,490

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$56,760

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$47,628

Before aid

Average net price

$17,890

After aid

Budget Cost To Attend · financialaid.ucsc.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 25, 7:32 PM

Program Highlights

Training

BM students major in a single instrument and study standard classical repertoire

Lessons offered on standard orchestral instruments, upright bass, classical guitar, and drum set

Individual applied lessons with faculty required every quarter in the program

Performance & Productions

Designed for exceptionally talented musicians pursuing a career in performance

All instrument faculty are celebrated professional musicians

University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and Experimental Music Ensemble

Chamber Music Workshop, Early Music Band, and quarterly recital-hall performances

Professional Development

Senior Recital as the comprehensive graduation requirement

Exchange program with the University of Sussex Music Department

Two juries per year for continuing review and critique

Program Highlights

Training

BM students major in a single instrument and study standard classical repertoire

Lessons offered on standard orchestral instruments, upright bass, classical guitar, and drum set

Individual applied lessons with faculty required every quarter in the program

Performance & Productions

Designed for exceptionally talented musicians pursuing a career in performance

All instrument faculty are celebrated professional musicians

University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and Experimental Music Ensemble

Chamber Music Workshop, Early Music Band, and quarterly recital-hall performances

Professional Development

Senior Recital as the comprehensive graduation requirement

Exchange program with the University of Sussex Music Department

Two juries per year for continuing review and critique

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

admission.universityofcalifornia.edu

Fees

Domestic Fee

$80

International Fee

$95

Opens

UC Application available onlineAug 1, 2026

UCSC TAG Application filing period opens (transfer)Sep 1, 2026

UC Application filing period opensOct 1, 2026

Deadline

UCSC TAG Application filing deadline (transfer)Sep 30, 2026

UC Application filing deadlineNov 30, 2026

Transfer Academic Update deadline (transfer)Jan 31, 2027

Dates Deadlines · admissions.ucsc.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Opens later

BM · music.ucsc.edu

Post-Enrollment Audition Requirements

No audition is required for the initial application. This is an internal program gate students complete after enrolling at the university.Gateway source

Repertoire List

Three pieces or movements of a contrasting nature

Repertoire must represent at least two different stylistic periods

Two contrasting movements from the same sonata or concerto may count as two of the three required pieces or movements

BM · music.ucsc.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Enrollment

Apply to UCSC via the UC Application — no separate arts application required

Students enter as general music students, then audition for the BM program after enrollment

Students may audition for the BM program no more than twice; the latest possible audition is one calendar year before the expected graduation date

Contact: music@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-2292

Admission Pathway

Admitted students take a music Theory Placement Exam at the start of fall or winter quarter — for course placement only, not admission

Transfer Pathway

Instrumental transfer students should prepare to audition for the BM after enrollment; the department publishes a fall audition route, with a spring audition available only to junior transfers entering in winter. Some applied-music requirements may be waived based on prior coursework.

Transfer Students · music.ucsc.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Open only to registered UCSC students — not available to prospective applicants

Must complete MUSC 30A with a grade of C or better before auditioning

Applied-instructor approval required to sign up for the audition

Held on campus each November/December

Students must audition prior to their senior year

Sophomores and juniors must demonstrate an advanced level at the first audition

Spring audition available only to junior transfer students

Once accepted, students complete juries each fall and spring quarter

Students who do not maintain an advanced level may be dismissed to the BA program

Audition Expectations

Prospective students may submit a recording to music@ucsc.edu for an informal evaluation before enrolling

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.92

Admit rate

66%

school-wide

Grad rate

75%

Enrollment

17.9K

Earnings

$68K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$17,490

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$56,760

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$47,628

Before aid

Average net price

$17,890

After aid

Budget Cost To Attend · financialaid.ucsc.edu College Scorecard

Training

BM students major in a single instrument and study standard classical repertoire

Lessons offered on standard orchestral instruments, upright bass, classical guitar, and drum set

Individual applied lessons with faculty required every quarter in the program

Performance & Productions

Designed for exceptionally talented musicians pursuing a career in performance

All instrument faculty are celebrated professional musicians

University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and Experimental Music Ensemble

Chamber Music Workshop, Early Music Band, and quarterly recital-hall performances

Professional Development

Senior Recital as the comprehensive graduation requirement

Exchange program with the University of Sussex Music Department

Two juries per year for continuing review and critique

Updated Aug 25, 7:32 PM