UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
Composition
Portfolio Information
Applicants to the composition
concentration are required to submit a composition portfolio for pre-screening.
An audition is not initially required. Portfolios must be received no
later than Friday, January 8th. The questionnaire, personal
statement, and all other supporting documents you wish to include should be
submitted with your portfolio.
Portfolios must consist of three
scores utilizing different media (not just piano) that demonstrate breadth of
experience, technical mastery, and awareness of 20th century styles. Recordings
can be submitted in addition to compositions, but not in lieu of them. The
Department of Music's composition faculty will review all portfolios and
eligible applicants will be selected for a campus interview/audition, scheduled
for Saturday, January 30th. If selected, you will receive an
email confirmation of your appointment. This meeting will consist of an
interview, testing on basic musicianship skills, keyboard skills, and an
audition on your chosen instrument. If approved by the music faculty, you are
then evaluated for academic eligibility by our undergraduate admissions office;
they will notify you of your admission status by April 1, 2010.
Applicants who are proficient in
another area and wish to also perform an instrumental or vocal audition, should
contact the music department via email at or by phone at (310)
825-4768 or (310) 206-5002. For a quicker response, email is recommended. If an
instrumental or vocal audition can be arranged, you will be notified by email.
Otherwise, your composition portfolio will determine your selection for an
on-campus interview and audition.
Please be sure your name is clearly
visible on all scores you submit as well any recordings you have included.
Scores and recordings will not be returned unless we receive a written request
and a pre-addressed envelope with the appropriate postage.
Updated on 08/14/20