Overview

The Music Performance programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides a rigorous environment for musicians to refine their artistry through intensive applied study. Students engage in a curriculum that balances high-level technical training with deep intellectual inquiry into musical contexts and creative interpretation.

Participants benefit from a vibrant multi-disciplinary community within the Herb Alpert School of Music, located in one of the world’s most diverse cultural capitals. The department fosters an atmosphere of curiosity, encouraging performers to become scholars who are dedicated to the relevant performance of Western classical music.

The doctoral track is intentionally small to ensure personalised mentorship for those with outstanding ability and a clear research agenda.

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

Students learn from a distinguished faculty comprised of principal players from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and world-renowned soloists. This direct link to major professional organisations provides students with unparalleled insights into the industry and high-level performance standards.

The institution offers extensive performance opportunities, ranging from chamber music coaching to large ensemble collaborations. Facilities at this premier public research university support a wide array of musical disciplines, ensuring that every student has the resources to pursue their specific creative goals.

Being situated in Los Angeles allows students to immerse themselves in a thriving arts scene, providing a bridge between academic study and professional practice. The school’s reputation for excellence attracts visiting artists and masterclasses from prestigious groups like the U.S. Army Band woodwind quintet.

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:

Brass
Keyboard
Percussion
Performance Studies
Strings
Voice
Woodwinds
Choral Studies
Conducting
Collaborative Piano
Contemporary Music
Opera
Chamber Music
Alexander Technique

Careers with Music Performance

Graduates from this programme frequently secure positions in major symphony orchestras, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Many alumni pursue successful careers as soloists, chamber musicians, and recording artists, often receiving prestigious industry recognition like Grammy nominations.

The advanced training also prepares students for leadership roles in academia, with many graduates becoming professors and lecturers at esteemed conservatoires and universities. Others find success in opera houses, professional choral ensembles, and as directors of musical organisations worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Analysis for Performers

Notation and Performance

Music Bibliography for Performers

Problems in Performance Practices (A-F)

New Music Forum

Advanced Vocal Repertoire, Diction, and Interpretation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 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

63 alternative credits

Quarter Units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 327 other Masters in Music Performance 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 background in musicianship, music theory, and music history to pursue graduate study

While the audition carries the most weight, the entire application is evaluated in making admissions decisions

Unofficial Transcript(s)

Statement of Purpose

3 letters of recommendation are required

Prescreening Audition: Applicants on all instruments except for Bassoon, Guitar, Harp, Oboe, Organ, and Percussion are required to submit prescreening audition videos as part of the online application

Personal History Statement

Applicants who advance beyond prescreening review and all applicants in areas that do not require prescreening will be invited to audition for department faculty

English language proficiency

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 Performance.

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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