Music
244 Music Center
(831) 459-2292
music@ucsc.edu
http://music.ucsc.edu
Programs Offered
Music B.A.
Music B.M.
Western Art Music Minor
Electronic Music Minor
Jazz Minor
Music M.A.
Music D.M.A.
Music Ph.D.
The UCSC music curriculum is distinctive in developing musicians who integrate scholarship with performance. Although this rigorous program primarily addresses Western art music, it also incorporates the study of world music cultures in both their art and vernacular traditions. A major in music establishes a substantial foundation for further academic or performance studies. Two undergraduate majors are offered: the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), which especially develops the student’s attainment in performance, and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), which cultivates greater breadth in the student’s academic achievement. Three minors in music are also offered: one in electronic music, one in music, and one in jazz. The electronic music and jazz minors are open to music majors, as well as to students pursuing other majors.
There are three graduate programs in music: the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in music and the Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in music composition. The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in music has emphases in composition, musicology/ethnomusicology, or performance practice, and integrates studies in performance, composition/analysis, and research. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in music has an emphasis in cross-cultural studies, and aims to provide doctoral students with an integrative framework for music scholarship, emphasizing the ways in which musicology and ethnomusicology interact and complement one another. The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in music composition has tracks in computer-assisted composition and world music composition and seeks to develop accomplished, active, and articulate composers who have a broad awareness of the diverse styles, cultural influences, media, venues, and technical means available to them in the 21st century.
The Music Center includes a 400-seat recital hall that has recording facilities, specially equipped classrooms, individual practice and teaching studios, a student computer laboratory, rehearsal space for ensembles, a gamelan studio, and studios for electronic and computer music. McHenry Library has a separate music section and listening rooms that have individual audio and video facilities. Recording and media equipment is available from the Learning Technologies center.
Courses for non-majors
All music courses are open to non-majors, with many fulfilling general education requirements while offering exploration in the field of music. Courses in the 11, 80, and 81 series cover a wide array of topics that may interest students. Non-majors are also able to enroll in all performing ensembles. Students should check out music.ucsc.edu for further information regarding preparation and auditions, and contact the Music Department if they have further questions.