Undergraduate Admission
Degree - B.A.
Performance
Education
Composition
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/Dance) 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 Music supplemental application. Beginning in January, applicants for the Music 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
Unofficial Transcripts
References
Audition/Portfolio
Performance: 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.
Applicants planning on auditioning in Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Voice, Viola or Violin are required to submit a pre-screening audition video/audio recording. Following the pre-screening review, selected students will receive an appointment for an audition with the faculty.
If you do not see your instrument listed, you will not have a pre-screening requirement, and will be granted an audition.
Composition: Applicants who have selected Composition as their primary interest must submit a pre-screening portfolio of 3-5 written scores. Following the portfolio review, selected students will receive an appointment for an interview/audition with our composition faculty.
Music Education: Please follow the audition directions for Performance (including pre-screening activities for certain instruments). At the audition, you will also interview with the Music Education faculty.
All supplemental material must be submitted through the online upload system; any physical material submitted to the department cannot be considered in the review process. A Music supplemental application worksheet is available for PDF download, which includes detailed instructions on submission as well as formatting guidelines:
UCLA Department of Music Supplemental Application Worksheet
Students are accepted into the department based upon evidence of creative talent and academic achievement. A faculty committee recommends admission decisions. Successful candidates must also meet 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 -
Performance - M.M., D.M.A.
Composition - M.A., Ph.D.
A complete outline of admissions and degree requirements is available on the Department of Music website and accessible on the Graduate Division web page.
The Department of Music 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.
Required of all M.M. / D.M.A. / M.A. / Ph.D applicants:
Statement of Purpose (submitted through AGA)
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (submitted through AGA)
Two (2) Official Transcripts
TOEFL or IELTS (international applicants only)
UCLA Financial Statement for Students Seeking Non-Immigrant Visas (required of international applicants seeking F1 or J1 visas)
GRE – not required.
Performance / Conducting Applicants:
Performance Resume - A list of your recent performance activity (over the last three (3) years), including major performances or groups, teachers, etc.
Repertoire List - A list of the repertoire you have worked on or performed over the last several years.
Audition - Piano and Voice only: Pre-screening CD / DVD; Conducting only: Prescreening DVD
D.M.A. only: Scholarly/Research Paper
COMPOSITION
Composition Portfolio
For the M.A., at least three (3) compositions; for the Ph.D, at least five (5). At least one of the compositions must be a recording of a live performance.
Assessment Examination
Administered to applicants who pass the portfolio pre-screening round.
More information about the supplemental application process, including all relevant forms, audition guidelines, and representative repertoire, may be found on the Department of Music website.
