Undergraduate

Welcome

*Please see the sub-menu to the left for more information on our undergraduate programs.*

Students interested in the Music Major can propose a Music Major on the UC application, but this is not mandatory. The UCSC Music program does not have an audition process as part of the UCSC general admission application process. No supplemental information is needed on the university application. After being accepted into UCSC, students individually email the faculty instructor of their instrument to discuss/arrange an audition to determine if they are at level on their instrument for our program. 

Music majors interested in the Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree, or Western Art Music concentration of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, typically have 5+ years of private instruction in classical technique and repertoire upon entering the University.

Students at a beginner level on an instrment are encouraged to participate in our performing ensembles, and to pursue one of the other two concentrations of the B.A. degree, or minor in music. 

Lessons are only offered on standard orchestral instruments (upright bass, classical guitar, classical voice, etc), as well as drum set. With the exception of drum set and jazz bass, students study standard classical repertoire on their instruments.

Three-Year Pathways are most appropriate if you:
  • plan a single major, and don’t change your major,
  • have satisfied the Entry-Level Writing Requirement before your first quarter, and
  • are committed to enrolling in Summer Session after your first and second years. 

Students with transfer credit from AP exams or college classes taken while in high school are particularly well positioned to pursue an accelerated plan.

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Music Undergrad Student Handbook