Frequently Asked Questions
Go to questions about:
PROGRAM
Where can I find information about the program?
You can visit the Registrar's website at www.registrar.ucla.edu to find out about the music major curriculum and general education requirements for the School of the Arts and Architecture.
Is there a minor in Music?
No, only the major.
Do you have a program in Music Theater?
No, we do not. Students interested in majoring in Musical Theater should contact the Theater department. On the rare occasion, however, we will accept the singer who demonstrates outstanding professional potential primarily in Music Theater while also performing classical vocal repertoire credibly. Such a student is designated "Voice Performance major with a Music Theater emphasis. Does the Music department offer a program in Film Scoring?
No, we do not. Our undergraduate composition program offers a comprehensive training in composition with emphasis in traditional classical models. Individual study with our faculty can provide an opportunity to learn composition for film and television. Does the Music department offer a program in Music Production or Recording?
No, we do not. Our undergraduate program offers programs in performance, composition, or music education.
I would like to play for UCLA but don’t want to be a Music major. What are my options?
If admitted to UCLA in some other major, you are welcome to audition for any of our large performance ensembles. Audition information will be available during the summer prior to the fall quarter. Auditions for performance groups are generally held at the beginning of fall quarter. Please click here for additional information.
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APPLICATION If I select Music as my first choice major, will I be considered for my second choice?
No you will not. Prior to January 1st, you can request to change your first choice major to undeclared or another major. After January 1 st, you may do so only with the permission of the undergraduate admissions office. If the Music department does not select me for admission, can I still get into UCLA?
Unless you have changed your major to undeclared or another major, once you are denied at the pre-screening or campus audition level by the music department, your admission to UCLA is denied. If I selected another major as my first choice, can I double major in Music?
No you cannot. UCLA only considers the first choice major for admission decisions. You must either change your first choice to music, or if you have been admitted to UCLA, apply to music as a change of major applicant.
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AUDITIONS How will the Music Department contact me about auditions?
If you indicated music as your first choice major, you will be notified by email. An audition appointment or pre-screening instructions will be sent by regular mail if you are unable to receive email.
What is on the Music Theory Exam?
Our Music Theory Exam is 90% listening. You will be
asked to identify and complete melodic and harmonic
dictations, and identify key signatures.
Do you offer auditions at off-campus locations?
No, we do not as of this time. Do Composition applicants have to audition?
Composition applicants first submit a composition portfolio. If selected for an on campus interview, you will also have to show indication of your performance ability on a given instrument or piano.
Is there any difference in the audition repertoire if you are applying for music education?
Not for most instruments. If so, the audition repertoire sheet will indicate it. Do I have to perform the pieces specifically listed on the repertoire list?
Unless it specifically states “required pieces”, the repertoire list is a sample of appropriate types of music. You may choose those pieces shown, or perform others you prefer. Is it required that I play the entire piece? Can I play just one movement?
For all pre-screening CDs the entire piece is expected (unless specific movements are requested). For campus auditions, you should be capable of performing an entire piece, although selected movements will most likely be requested. Do I have to have all the pieces memorized?
Yes. Sheet music should not be used during the audition. How long is the audition? Is there anything else I will need to do?
Most auditions including any possible interview are about 15 minutes. If you indicated music education as your first choice, you will also need to meet with the music education faculty. ALL applicants must also take a 45-minute music theory exam. The exam is given throughout the day. Is an accompanist provided during auditions or do I need to find my own?
An accompanist can be provided. However, you are allowed to bring your own accompanist. Students planning to use our accompanists must submit a list of the repertoire they plan to perform in advance of their audition. Can I audition on more than one instrument?
You may do so only with the permission of the music department, and only if the audition schedule permits. You may not perform a second audition for any instrument that requires pre-screening, unless you have submitted the required pre-screening materials and they have been approved. If I have a conflict for my assigned audition day & time, what should I do?
Notify the student services office as soon as possible. You should be aware that changing your audition appointment might not be possible. Although multiple audition dates are listed, some areas will only have auditions on a single day. What should I bring to the audition?
If you are planning to use one of our accompanists, be sure to remember to bring the music (no photo-copies please). If you have missing or additional materials you would like added to your audition folder, you should bring those. Everything else will be provided. Do you offer campus tours at the auditions?
One campus tour is offered each of the Saturdays we hold auditions, usually about 12:30 p.m.
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ADMISSIONS DECISIONS What do you consider in making admissions decisions?
Your audition performance is the primary factor in the review process at the departmental level, but the faculty also consider your self-reported academic record. Upon the faculty's recommendation for admission, the Undergraduate Admissions Office determines academic eligibility based on UC guidelines.
If I was not selected for an on-campus audition, does this mean that I will not be admitted to UCLA?
If you submitted a pre-screening voice, violin, or piano CD, or a composition portfolio, and do not receive an on campus audition appointment, you will be denied admission to UCLA.
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TRANSFER APPLICANTS I am hoping to transfer to UCLA. What should I do?
Transfer applicants should try to meet with the undergraduate advisor before they apply to discuss transfer eligibility, which can differ for each student. However, all applicants are required to audition or submit a composition portfolio. I am a transfer applicant. Do you need my transcripts for the application?
Transcripts are helpful and should be sent prior to your audition. Transcripts will be required for all students who are accepted. I am already at UCLA, how can I do a change of major into Music?
Change of major applicants should arrange an appointment with the undergraduate advisor during fall quarter. A preliminary review of your eligibility will be discussed as well as the forms you will need to submit.
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MISCELLANEOUS What if I haven’t taken the SAT I or II yet?
You should still keep your audition appointment.
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