UCSC Gamelan performs "Tari Merak" at the Spring 2017 Gamelan concert.
We, the Department of Music at UC Santa Cruz, aligned with all institutions of conscience, recognize in our society a continuing epidemic of racism and racist violence, and we write to express our unequivocal support of Black Americans, and to declare new commitments to meet our responsibilities in pursuit of racial justice. We commit to combating racial hatred, individual acts of racism, and institutional racism that form the context in which racist violence occurs. We commit our department to the conscientious support of students of color, and particularly to Black students, who struggle within the context of ongoing threats of racist violence that impact their education. [more...]
Works & Ideas
The UCSC Music Department offers an extraordinary program of western and world musics, with theoretical rigor and a wealth of performing opportunities. Students can join any of 19 ensembles and apply for a wide variety of scholarships. Listen to performances, hear current student stories, learn more about our faculty and their areas of emphasis, and apply to our program!
Student Spotlight
Student Spotlight
What initally drew you to the Music Department at UC Santa Cruz?
I entered UCSC in an ENVS track, but then became a music major shortly after signing up for Music 15 as a General Education Course. Having never learned musical notation, I was fascinated by the logical frameworks behind harmony. I was then told that Music 30 was "the next step" following Music 15 and showed up on the first day unaware that I had to learn a... [more]
