Overview

The Music Composition programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides a rigorous environment for gifted composers to refine their craft. Students engage in intensive study to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional musical practice.

This highly competitive graduate offering welcomes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary intellectual curiosity and a desire for profound human communication. The faculty of renowned composers seeks students with a clearly discernible personal voice. Participants can choose to specialise in either traditional Composition or Composition for Visual Media.

A defining feature of the curriculum is the cross-pollination between these specialisations, allowing for a diverse creative atmosphere.

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

The programme is housed within the prestigious Herb Alpert School of Music, offering access to world-class facilities and a distinguished faculty. Students benefit from the Gramian-Emrani Center for Iranian Music and various contemporary piano festivals. The school’s location in Los Angeles provides an unparalleled connection to the global film and media industry.

Distinctive teaching features include the Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship and opportunities for artist residencies with innovative composers. The curriculum is noted for its focus on fundamentals, which has long been a hallmark of the institution. This foundation supports students in achieving international recognition and professional success.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 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 History
Popular, Jazz, Rock, and Folk Traditions
Non-Western Traditions
Film Music
World Music for Film
Composition for Visual Media

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have achieved significant success as pre-eminent contemporary opera composers and sound designers. Alumni frequently secure roles in major opera houses and concert halls across five continents. Many find employment within the film industry, scoring for visual media and major theatrical productions.

Common career paths include becoming professional recording artists, orchestral composers, and university professors. Graduates have collaborated with internationally renowned performers and writers, contributing to the modern American operatic repertoire. The programme also prepares students for leadership roles in arts organisations and cultural institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Repertory and Analysis

Analysis for Performers

Notation and Performance

Music Bibliography for Performers

Oboe Reed Making

Bassoon Reed Making

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

36 alternative credits

Quarter Units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 163 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US institution or comparable international institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

An undergraduate major in music is not required as long as the applicant has the necessary musical knowledge and background to pursue graduate study in music composition

Unofficial Transcript(s)

Statement of Purpose: Your statement can be up to 500 words in length (approximately 1-page, single spaced, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font)

3 letters of recommendation are required

Personal History Statement

Composition Portfolio

English Language Requirements

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

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

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.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master'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.

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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

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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