Music Composition University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Overview

The Music Composition programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a rigorous academic environment for aspiring composers. Students engage in a collaborative atmosphere that bridges the gap between creative writing and live performance to simulate professional artistic experiences.

The curriculum is designed to help students master essential technical skills while exploring a diverse range of musical traditions. Undergraduates receive intensive training in music theory, both written and oral, alongside the study of counterpoint and orchestration. This foundation ensures that every graduate possesses the technical proficiency required for high-level creative work.

Beyond classical foundations, the programme encourages the exploration of the traditional Western canon in tandem with modern genres.

Why Music Composition at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides an exceptional environment for musical growth through the Herb Alpert School of Music. Students benefit from a distinguished faculty of active composers and industry professionals who offer direct mentorship in concert music, opera, and visual media.

The institution is renowned for its focus on fundamentals, which has long been a hallmark of its prestigious curriculum. Facilities such as the Gramian-Emrani Center for Iranian Music and the Schoenberg Music Building provide specialised spaces for research and performance. These resources support a vibrant community of artists and scholars.

Furthermore, the university maintains strong links to the professional world, offering exposure to a broad range of musical styles. The collaborative relationship between composers and performers at the school creates a unique ecosystem where students can hear their works brought to life by talented peers and ensembles.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 53302 per year
• National fee: USD 53302 per year
• Local fee: USD 15700 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Music Theory
• Counterpoint
• Orchestration
• Analysis
• Technology
• Performance
• Western Canon and its History
• Popular, Jazz, Rock, and Folk Traditions
• Non-Western Traditions
• Composition for Visual Media
• Electronic Music
• Conducting

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to enter the professional world as practicing artists or specialised film composers. The comprehensive training provided ensures that students can navigate the complexities of the modern music industry with confidence and technical expertise.

Many alumni choose to pursue advanced graduate studies at the highest level, continuing their research and creative development at leading global institutions. The programme has a proven track record of producing successful professionals, including pre-eminent contemporary opera composers and award-winning orchestral creators.

Career paths often lead to roles in the American operatic repertoire, chamber music, and vocal composition. Graduates find opportunities in international opera houses, concert halls, and the film and media scoring industry, working alongside world-renowned performers and writers across five continents.