Overview

The Music programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides students with a robust foundation in both the creative and analytical aspects of the discipline. This bachelor degree is designed to integrate performance, theory, composition, and history into a cohesive educational experience. Students are encouraged to explore diverse musical traditions while developing their technical proficiency.

Why Music at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The department is distinguished by its uniquely diverse curriculum, allowing students to specialise in areas such as Contemporary Practices, Global Musics, or Western Art Music. Facilities at the Music Centre support a wide range of activities, from traditional orchestral performance to electronic music and spontaneous improvisation. The university's approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded musicians prepared for the modern industry.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances practical performance with academic rigour. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Compositional Practices
Ethnomusicology
Western Music
Global Musics
Recording
Performance

Careers with Music

Graduates from University of California, Santa Cruz are prepared for a variety of professional paths within the arts and media sectors. The programme provides the necessary skills for students to pursue advanced graduate studies or enter the workforce directly in specialised roles. Many alumni find success in creative production, education, and technical music fields.

Potential career destinations for graduates include:

Arts Administration
Broadcasting
Composition and Music Arrangement
Conducting
Film, Television, and Video Game Scoring
Musicology
Performance
Recording
Teaching

These roles span across diverse industries, reflecting the versatile nature of the training provided. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises both the artistic and professional requirements of the contemporary music landscape.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

University Concert Choir

University Orchestra

Large Jazz Ensemble

West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble

Balinese Gamelan

Wind Ensemble

Eurasian Ensemble

Mariachi Ensemble

South African Music Ensemble

Early Music Ensemble

Jazz Ensembles

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2679 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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