Overview

The Music Composition programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides an immersive environment for students to master classical techniques while exploring contemporary creative design. This degree is specifically structured to bridge the gap between undergraduate study and a professional career in the arts.

The curriculum is delivered through the College of Creative Studies, ensuring that students receive personalised attention from the very beginning of their studies. Working composers serve as instructors, offering a professional intensity that is rare at the undergraduate level. This mentorship helps students build a robust foundation in musical rudiments and notation while fostering their individual artistic growth.

Why Music Composition at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

One of the most distinctive features of this programme is the emphasis on individual instruction. From their first term, students engage in one-on-one tutorials with resident faculty members who also serve as dedicated academic advisors. This close relationship ensures that each student's progress is carefully monitored and supported throughout their four-year journey.

The university provides exceptional facilities and unique opportunities for public performance. Past projects have included professional recording sessions of student-authored works and collaborative musical productions. Furthermore, the college frequently hosts short-term residencies with internationally renowned composers, giving students direct access to leading figures in the global music community.

Financial support is also available for ambitious students through the Traveling Undergraduate Research Fund. This resource enables undergraduates to pursue creative activities and research projects beyond the classroom. The integration with the wider Department of Music also allows students to participate in various ensembles and access a broad range of academic resources.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14934 per year
National fee: USD 14934 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to be malleable, allowing for a personalised course of study while maintaining academic integrity. Modules may include:

Music Composition
Musical Notation
Musical Rudiments
Recording Student-Authored Music
Musical Production
Sophomore Juries
Junior Juries
Senior Recital

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates are primarily prepared for careers as professional composers or for entry into prestigious graduate schools. The rigorous training in classical techniques and professional portfolio development makes students competitive candidates for roles in film scoring, contemporary performance, and academic research. By the final year, students demonstrate their professional readiness through a senior recital consisting entirely of their original compositions.

Programme Structure

Courses

The highly malleable CCS curriculum design enables an individual’s course of study to bend in the direction of personal interests and goals, even as it maintains solid integrity in the form of a core curriculum.

At the very center of this core is individual instruction with a composition teacher. One of the resident Music Composition faculty members also serve as the student's faculty advisor for the duration of the program. Students also take many courses in the Department of Music in the College of Letters and Science.

Students have their original compositions evaluated at their sophomore and junior juries. The final year in the program culminates in a senior recital, consisting entirely of the student’s work.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

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 Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 312 other Bachelors in Music Composition 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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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Letter of Intent

Submitting Work in Evidence of Talent

Letters of Recommendation

Transcripts

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

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Out-of-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 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 Composition.

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 Barbara

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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