Undergraduate Admission
Degree - B.A.
Jazz Studies
World Music
Step 1: Complete the UC Application
Students who wish to apply to the School of the Arts and Architecture (Architecture and Urban Design, Art, Design | Media Arts, Ethnomusicology, Music, and World Arts and Cultures) must complete the University of California's Application for Undergraduate Admission filed between November 1–30. Students may apply directly online from the University of California website.
Students who wish to be considered for majors in the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, MUST select an SOAA major as their first choice major to UCLA in order to participate in the portfolio/audition review process.
Step 2: Departmental Supplemental Requirements
After the UC application has been filed, applicants are required to submit a Department of Ethnomusicology supplemental application. Beginning in January, applicants for the Ethnomusicology major at UCLA will be emailed detailed instructions for, and a link to, the online supplemental application. This material is due in mid-January (applicants will be notified of the exact date), and will include the following specific departmental requirements:
Questionnaire
Statement of Purpose
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
Unofficial Transcripts
Audition
All applicants to Ethnomusicology in both World Music and Jazz Studies concentrations are required to prepare a 10-15 minute audition on their instrument. Applicants may audition in person or by video/audio recording. Applicants who reside within 200 miles of UCLA are required to audition on campus. All applicants are strongly encouraged to audition in person if at all possible.
All supplemental material must be submitted through the online upload system; any physical material (with the exception of Letters of Recommendation) submitted to the department cannot be considered in the review process. An Ethnomusicology supplemental application worksheet is available for PDF download, which includes detailed instructions on submission as well as formatting guidelines:
UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology Supplemental Application Worksheet
Students are recommended for admission into the department based upon evidence of creative talent and academic achievement. A Department of Ethnomusicology faculty committee reviews all applications for the major. Successful candidates must also meet minimum eligibility requirements for the University of California.
Step 3: Official Notification
Freshman applicants are notified in March of their admission status; transfer applicants receive notification April.
Admitted freshmen must notify the University of their plans to attend the School of the Arts and Architecture by no later than May 1; admitted transfer students must notify the University by June 1.
Graduate Admission
Degrees
Ethnomusicology - M.A., Ph.D.
Systematic Musicology - M.A., Ph.D.
A complete outline of admissions and degree requirements, are available on the Ethnomusicology website and accessible on the Graduate Division web page.
The Department of Ethnomusicology accepts applications for the fall quarter only. Admission to the department is based on acceptance by the UCLA Graduate Division and a faculty review of the applicant's work. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an acceptable institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last two years of upper-division coursework.
Step One: UCLA Application for Graduate Admission
Complete and file the UCLA Application for Graduate Admission(AGA), which is due in December (please check department website for specific deadlines). This application will include such materials as statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and unofficial transcripts. Do not submit supplemental requirements without completing and filing the AGA.
Step Two: Supplemental Requirements
To be completed in addition to the Application for Graduate Admission.
Statement of Purpose (submitted through AGA)
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (submitted through AGA)
Official Transcripts – From all schools attended (may be sent directly by the school).
Sample Work with Coversheet – One to three (1-3) papers on topics related to ethnomusicology or systematic musicology, i.e. appropriate term papers from ethnomusicology, music or related classes, or original research you have done.
If you are applying for the Ph.D., you should include a copy of your thesis or, if it is not complete, an abstract and/or draft.
TOEFL or IELTS – Required for international applicants.
GRE – not required.
For further reference, please visit the UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology website.
