UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music: Majors, Requirements, and Courses
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music provides a comprehensive music education, fostering collaboration between performance and scholarship, promoting a global understanding of music, and preparing students for diverse careers in the music industry. The school offers a variety of majors, each with its unique focus and requirements.
Available Majors
The Herb Alpert School of Music offers the following majors:
- Music Composition
- Ethnomusicology
- Global Jazz Studies
- Music Education
- Music Industry
- Music Performance
- Musicology
Admission Requirements
Transfer applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement and departmental screening requirements.
- Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required at the time of application.
- IGETC: California Community College students are encouraged to complete IGETC, while other transfer students are encouraged to make progress toward completing the school's general education requirements.
- Supplemental Application: In addition to the UC Application, a supplemental application with materials that vary by major is required. This application, housed on the Acceptd platform, is used for prescreening to determine interview and audition invitations.
- Audition/Interview: Music performance, music education, and global jazz studies applicants must select a primary instrument for an audition. An audition and/or interview are required for all School of Music majors.
General Preparation for Music Majors
While specific requirements vary by major, some common preparation elements are recommended:
- A one-year comprehensive music theory course sequence, incorporating musicianship (ear training and sight singing), as well as keyboard skills; or one year of music theory and one year of musicianship (ear training and sight singing).
- Participation in a large performance group, such as orchestra, choir, or wind ensemble (specific requirements vary by major).
Major-Specific Information
Music Composition
The music composition major is designed for composers with intellectual curiosity who aim to communicate on a profoundly human level. The program emphasizes collaboration between composers and performers, simulating a professional experience.
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- Recommended Preparation:
- A one-year comprehensive music theory course sequence, incorporating musicianship (ear training and sight singing), as well as keyboard skills; or one year of music theory and one year of musicianship (ear training and sight singing)
- Two years of applied studio instruction on a primary instrument or in voice (private lessons)
- Two years of participation in a large performance group such as orchestra, choir, or wind ensemble
Ethnomusicology
The ethnomusicology major combines musical experience with academic study to explore diverse musical expressions from around the world.
- Recommended Preparation:
- A one-year comprehensive music theory course sequence, incorporating musicianship (ear training and sight singing), as well as keyboard skills; or one year of music theory and one year of musicianship (ear training and sight singing)
- Two years of participation in a large performance group such as orchestra, choir, world music ensemble, or wind ensemble
Global Jazz Studies
The global jazz studies major encourages students to consider jazz's capacity to transform the musical and political worlds, building upon UCLA's jazz studies and world music foundation.
- Recommended Preparation:
- A one-year comprehensive music theory course sequence, incorporating musicianship (ear training and sight singing), as well as keyboard skills; or one year of music theory and one year of musicianship (ear training and sight singing)
- One to two years of applied jazz studio instruction (private lessons)
Music Education
The music education major prepares students to become music teachers with the expertise, research skills, and curricular design abilities to teach music to diverse student populations.
- Recommended Preparation:
- A one-year comprehensive music theory course sequence, incorporating musicianship (ear training and sight singing), as well as keyboard skills; or one year of music theory and one year of musicianship (ear training and sight singing)
- Two years of applied studio instruction on a primary instrument or in voice (private lessons)
- Two years of participation in a large performance group, such as orchestra, choir, or wind ensemble
Music Performance
The music performance major combines intensive study of Western classical music with academics in a global cultural capital. Students study with world-class performers and teachers, participate in ensembles, and pursue coursework in music theory, history, and analysis.
- Recommended Preparation:
- A one-year comprehensive music theory course sequence, incorporating musicianship (ear training and sight singing), as well as keyboard skills; or one year of music theory and one year of musicianship (ear training and sight singing)
- Two years of applied studio instruction on a primary instrument or in voice (private lessons)
- Two years of participation in a large performance group such as orchestra, choir or wind ensemble
Musicology
The musicology major focuses on the humanistic study of music, teaching students to research, analyze, and understand various musics within culture and through a critical lens.
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- Recommended Preparation:
- A one-year comprehensive music theory course sequence, incorporating musicianship (ear training and sight singing), as well as keyboard skills; or one year of music theory and one year of musicianship (ear training and sight singing)
- One year of participation in a large performance group, such as orchestra, choir, or wind ensemble
Music Industry
The music industry interdepartmental program prepares students for creative career paths in the evolving music industry, providing historical, critical, and global perspectives. The program builds technical, computational, fiduciary, communications, and marketing skills.
Minors
The School of Music offers several minors for students who wish to augment their major program with a focused study of music.
- Ethnomusicology Minor: This minor introduces students to the study of world music and performance. It requires two quarters of a lower-division performance course (ETHNMUS 91A-91Z), along with six academic courses.
- Music Industry Minor: This minor prepares students for employment in the music industry. It requires an introductory course in music business fundamentals and a culminating internship.
- Musicology Minor: This minor combines the humanistic study of music with a major concentration in another area. It requires seven academic courses.
Double Majoring
Current UCLA students can apply to double major in the School of Music by completing the supplemental application in the Fall. This application is reviewed by faculty, and selected students are invited to audition or interview.
Department of Music Performance, Education & Composition
The Department of Music Performance, Education & Composition offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Western classical music. The four-year undergraduate curriculum combines practical training with the development of theoretical and historical context and artistic imagination.
The majors, designed for students who seek to combine fine musicianship with academic excellence, center on a core curriculum of academic music courses, one-on-one work with artist-teaching faculty, and opportunities to collaborate with peers in large and small ensembles.
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Additional Information
The UCLA General Catalog provides detailed information on courses, course descriptions, instructor designations, curricular degree requirements, and fees. However, all information is subject to change without notice, so consulting the Catalog for the most current, officially approved information is essential.
Guest Artists
The School of Music hosts numerous guest artists from around the world each year, providing students with opportunities to learn from and perform with renowned musicians.
General Education Requirements
While not specific to the School of Music, UCLA has general education requirements that all undergraduate students must satisfy. These requirements include courses in:
- English: Four years of college-preparatory English, including frequent writing and reading of literature.
- Mathematics: Three years of college-preparatory mathematics, including algebra and geometry; a fourth year of math is strongly recommended.
- Science: Two years of college-preparatory science, including biology, chemistry, or physics; a third year of science is recommended.
- Language Other Than English: Two years of the same language other than English.
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