Overview

The Music programme at the University of California, Riverside offers students a robust foundation in musical theory, history, and practical performance. This curriculum is designed to integrate creative expression with academic rigour, ensuring graduates possess a deep understanding of the cultural forces that shape the art form.

Students can tailor their educational journey by selecting one of four distinct curricular tracks: General, Composition, Performance, or Music Industry. Each pathway allows for specialised focus while maintaining the core principles of a liberal arts education, preparing students for diverse professional environments within the global arts sector.

Why Music at the University of California, Riverside?

The University of California, Riverside provides an immersive environment where students gain practical knowledge through participation in a wide variety of department ensembles. These include the Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Javanese Gamelan, and Taiko Ensemble, offering a unique breadth of cultural and stylistic exposure.

Facilities and instruction support the development of vocal and instrumental techniques alongside advanced studies in musicianship. The department’s commitment to diverse musical traditions, from Chamber Music to Mariachi Los Alteños, ensures a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for aspiring musicians and scholars.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 52536 per year
National fee: USD 52536 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 structured to provide a balance of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. All students must pass a keyboard proficiency examination as part of their degree requirements. Modules may include:

Composition
Musicianship
Music Theory
Music History
Performance
Music Industry

Careers with Music

Graduates of the programme are equipped for various roles within the creative arts and music industries. The diverse tracks available allow students to pursue careers as professional performers, composers, or industry specialists. The rigorous training in history and theory also provides a foundation for further academic research or roles in arts administration and cultural heritage organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Basic Musical Concepts

Western Music

Opera

Women in Music

World Music

Music in Movies and TV

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Riverside, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2680 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

You must have a GPA of 3.0 or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in the A-G courses, with no grade below a C.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You will need your:

Test scores

Annual income (optional)

Social Security number (if you have one)

Citizenship status

Statewide student ID (optional)

Credit card (or check)

Order Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to be sent.

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

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Out-of-State

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Riverside

United States

1100 - 1600 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

Riverside

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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