Overview

The Music programme at University of California, Santa Cruz offers a comprehensive Master of Arts degree designed to integrate composition, research, and performance. This curriculum encourages a diversity of approaches, allowing students to balance technical skills with creative interests across various musical traditions. Students work closely with faculty to master their chosen specialisations while gaining a broad understanding of global musical contexts.

The course is structured to culminate in a significant final project that reflects the student's specific area of focus. This project typically combines an original composition, a written thesis, or a scholarly essay with a related public performance or lecture recital.

Why Music at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The department features a distinguished faculty of research professors, adjunct instructors, and professional performing artists who provide individualised instruction. Students benefit from small seminar environments and independent study opportunities that foster deep intellectual and creative growth. The university provides a supportive atmosphere where students can explore Western music from the Renaissance to the modern era, alongside the musics of Asia, Latin America, and India.

Facilities and resources at the institution support a wide range of final projects, from critical editions of historical keyboard music to contemporary compositions and ethnomusicological research. The programme's emphasis on multiple musical traditions prepares students for a variety of professional paths, including doctoral studies and academic positions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15102 per year
National fee: USD 15102 per year
Local fee: USD 15924 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing mastery in musical language, cultural context, and independent research. Modules may include:

Research Methods
Analysis
Composition
Performance Practices
Western Music
Musics of India, Latin America, and Asia
Independent Studies

Careers with Music

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for a variety of professional and technical careers within the music industry. Many alumni successfully transition into prestigious doctoral programmes to continue their academic research or creative practice. Others secure academic positions or find employment in roles that require advanced expertise in musical composition, performance, and critical analysis.

The skills gained during the course, including oral and written communication and independent research, are highly transferable. Graduates have gone on to work as performers, conductors, coaches, and scholars, contributing to the global musical landscape through both traditional and innovative professional pathways.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History of Music Theory from the Greeks through Rameau

Tonal and Post-tonal Analysis

Techniques in Composition

Music Composition

Research

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Music View 1017 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Official transcripts

Supplemental Materials

Recommendations

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, up to 5 may be submitted.

Statement of Purpose: Please describe your plans for graduate study or research and for your future occupation or profession. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages.

Personal History Statement

Composition scores (Composition Emphasis only)

Recordings (Composition or Performance Practice Emphasis only)

Writing sample (e.g., term paper or senior thesis).

Résumé

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

15102 USD / year

≈ 15102 USD / year
Out-of-State

15102 USD / year

≈ 15102 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15924 USD / year

≈ 15924 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 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.

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

Santa Cruz

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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