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Department of Music • La Jolla, California
Quick Take
UCSD's music department is a research-intensive program renowned for experimental and electronic composition, with BA and graduate programs in contemporary classical, music technology, and ethnomusicology. Located on La Jolla's coastal bluffs, the department is one of the world's leading centers for computer music, new media, and interdisciplinary sound art, attracting students committed to the cutting edge of musical thought.
UC San Diego at a Glance
| Program | |
| School / Division | University of California San Diego Department of Music |
| Setting | public |
| Reliigous Affliation | none |
| Program Size | small |
| Genres / Styles | classical, world |
| Primary Instrument | cello, clarinet, electronics, flute, guitar, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, viola, violin, voice |
| Areas of Study | composition, engineering/technology, music theory, performance |
| Degrees Offered | Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Doctorate, Master’s |
| Musical Selectivity | highly selective |
| NASM Accreditation | no |
| Admissions | |
| Academic Selectivity | highly selective |
| Average GPA | 3.95 |
| Application Deadline | 2026-11-30 00:00:00 |
| Auditions | |
| Audition | depends on the program |
| Audition Competitiveness | competitive |
| Audition Window | ? |
| Prescreening | depends on the program |
| Location | |
| City / State | La Jolla, California |
Always confirm deadlines and requirements directly with the UC San Diego website
.
Program Overview
The music program at UC San Diego is small in size and a .
Music Genre/Style Strengths
UC San Diego supports the following musical genres/styles: classical, world. At some schools, students can explore multiple styles while developing strong technical and artistic foundations within their primary genre.
Visit the UC San Diego website for more specific information on the music genres/styles it supports.
Primary Instruments
Students at UC San Diego can pursue study across a range of instruments, including cello, clarinet, electronics, flute, guitar, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, viola, violin, voice. Students study privately with faculty on their primary instrument while participating in ensembles and collaborative performances.
Visit the UC San Diego website for more specific information about their support for studies on specific instruments.
Music Studies Offered at UC San Diego
Students at UC San Diego can pursue degrees focused on composition, engineering/technology, music theory, performance. Music degree programs typically combine private instruction, ensemble participation, music theory coursework, and performance opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in music.
Visit the UC San Diego website for more specific information on the programs of study it offers.
Acceptance
Musical acceptance at UC San Diego is highly selective. Academically, it is highly selective, with accepted students having an average GPA of 3.95. (Unlike academic programs, music admissions typically emphasize performance and artistic potential.) The application deadline for UC San Diego is 2026-11-30 00:00:00 of each year.
Visit the UC San Diego website to confirm acceptance information and deadlines.
Auditions
An audition depends on the program at UC San Diego, and the school's auditions are considered to be competitive. The audition window is ? of each year. A pre-screening video or portfolio depends on the program.
Visit the UC San Diego website for more specific information on auditions.
Location and Music Scene
UCSD sits on the coastal bluffs of La Jolla, a short drive from San Diego's arts scene and the US-Mexico border, embedded in a research culture that makes it a global center for experimental music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UC San Diego hard to get into?
Admission to UC San Diego is considered highly selective for music and highly selective academically. At most schools, the audition carries significant weight. Admitted students need to demonstrate performance ability and artistic potential in addition to meeting academic requirements.
Do I need a prescreening video to audition at UC San Diego?
A prescreening video or portfolio submission at UC San Diego.
Prescreening requirements vary significantly from school to school, and sometimes by instrument or area of study, so it's worth checking directly with the admissions office to confirm what's expected for your specific application.
What instruments can I study at UC San Diego?
supports study across a wide range of instruments, including cello, clarinet, electronics, flute, guitar, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, viola, violin, voice. Students typically study privately with a faculty member on their primary instrument while also participating in ensembles and collaborative performance opportunities.
Instrument availability and faculty depth can vary. If you play something less common, it's worth reaching out to the department directly to confirm faculty availability before you apply.
What GPA do I need for UC San Diego?
Admitted students at UC San Diego have an average GPA of 3.95. Keep in mind that this is an average. Some admitted students come in above it, some below, depending on the strength of the overall application and, especially, the audition.
Music programs tend to weigh audition performance heavily, which means a particularly strong musical candidate may be admitted even if their GPA is below the typical range. The reverse is also true. Academic strength alone won't compensate for a weak audition.
What is the application deadline for UC San Diego?
The application deadline for UC San Diego is 2026-11-30 00:00:00, with live auditions typically held ?. These dates can shift year to year, so it's important to verify directly with the admissions office well in advance.
Music school deadlines often arrive earlier than general college application deadlines, and audition slots can fill up quickly, especially at competitive programs. Getting your application in early is rarely a bad idea.
Information on this page is updated periodically. Always confirm details directly with the school's admissions office.
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