Apply as a Freshman

Menu
^Top

The UCSB Department of Music admits new students in the Fall Quarter only. Applicants must first apply for admission to the University of California either as a freshman or as a transfer student.

UCSB Wind Ensemble Flutes and Music

How to Apply:

The UC application filing period is November 1st - 30th for enrollment in September of the following year. For more information on UC eligibility, please visit the University of California website.

The total application fee is $70.

For applicants interested in the Bachelor of Art or the Music Minor, no additional application materials or audition in necessary during the application phase (only Step One, below, is required). For students applying to the Bachelor of Music, follow all three of the steps below:

Go to FAQs for questions.

Step one - Apply to UCSB

  • Complete the UCSB Undergraduate Application between November 1 - 30. The application fee is $70.
  • Please note: applicants applying simultaneously to both the Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies and the Bachelor of Music with a specific instrumental or vocal emphasis, please select BM as your first-choice major on the UCSB Application.

Step two - Fill out an Audition Form

Step three - Schedule an Audition

  • Click on the instrument to see the sign up form for that particular instrument. You will be able to choose your audition day and time based on the availability listed. You will be able to release and re-choose a spot if your availability changes, however it will be limited to the choices still open.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to perform a live audition, but it is possible to audition by submitting a recording that meet the above requirements. More information about how to submit links to your recorded audition will be available soon.

Step four - Perform an Audition

  • Perform an audition according to the specific requirements for your chosen major preference, see below.

Audition Requirements for Freshman, by Instrument

BM Emphases in Voice

Minimum of two songs or arias, one in a foreign language. (Art songs or arias only: no popular, folk-song, or musical comedy.) Provide one copy of music for the accompanist.

BM Emphases in Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute,
French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, And Tuba

Two or more contrasting works from the standard literature for your instrument.

Demonstrate technical proficiency through chromatic and major scales, arpeggios and/or etudes.

BM Emphases in Oboe

Two contrasting movements, one technical and one lyrical, from solo works of differing time periods. One standard etude (Barret or Ferling) that reflects technique and attention to detail.  All major and chromatic scales, 2 octaves to high F.  Possible sight-reading.

Suggested Solo Rep: (audition rep does NOT have to come from this list; suggested only)
Baroque:Telemann, Sonata in A Minor, Handel, Oboe Sonata No.1 in C minor, Handel, Oboe Sonata No.2 in G minor, Marcello, Oboe Concertoin d or c

Classical: Cimarosa, Concerto, Mozart, Oboe Concerto, Mozart, Oboe Quartet

Romantic: Nielsen, Two Fantasy Pieces, Schumann, 3 Romances, Saint-Saens, Sonata

20th Century: Hindemith, Sonata, Vaughan Williams, Oboe Concerto

BM Emphases in Double Bass, Cello, Viola, and Violin

Two or more contrasting works from the standard literature for your instrument, demonstrating technical proficiency.

BM Piano Emphasis

Three contrasting works from different historical periods.

BM Composition Emphasis

Students who wish to audition for entrance into the BM, Composition program, a live audition is not required. Instead, please create a single PDF portfolio with the documents listed below and links to your work, which should be available for viewing online. Submit this as a single package to music-auditions@ucsb.edu. Your portfolio must include:

  • Statement of Objective as composition major
  • Three works, submitted with score (.pdf) and recording (.mp3 or .wav) if available. For works with no or non-traditional notation, alternate documentation is acceptable.
  • Complete List of Works, indicating any performances and recording

BM Percussion

Timpani: Applicable etudes from any of the following methods/solos (or similar) -

Fundamental Method for Timpani, Mitchell Peters
Intermediate Timpani Studies, Mitchell Peters
The Complete Timpani Method, Friese/Lepak
Exercises, Etudes, and Solos for Timpani, Raynor Carroll
The Solo Timpanist, Vic Firth
Modern Method for Timpani, Saul Goodman

Snare Drum: Etudes or Solos from any of the following methods/solos (or similar) - 

Portraits in Rhythm, Anthony Cirone
Intermediate Snare Drum Studies, Mitchell Peters
Advanced Snare Drum Studies, Mitchell Peters

Mallets: Applicable solo (2 and/or 4 mallets) for marimba, from the following (or similar) - 

Modern School for Xylophone Marimba and Vibraphone, Morris Goldenberg
Fundamental Method for Mallets, Vol 1, Mitchell Peters
Masterpieces for Marimba, Thomas McMillan (editor)