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. For audition requirements for Freshman by instrument, see below.
To see all the steps required to apply to the Bachelor of Music program, and to audition, see the Audition for the Bachelor of Music section.
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.)
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
Your portfolio must include:
- Statement of Objective as composition major
- Three works, submitted with score (.pdf) and a link to recording, or separate (.mp3 or .wav)
- 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)