UC Santa Cruz Music Program - Worth it?

Hello! I'm a junior in high school and I'm really passionate about music. I've been looking into the music program at UC Santa Cruz. Does anyone have any feedback or experience related to the program? How's the faculty, department resources, and performance opportunities?

Hi there! It's great that you're passionate about music and considering the music program at UC Santa Cruz. I can definitely share some information to help you in your research.

UC Santa Cruz's music department offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees. While there is overlap, the two programs will have slightly different requirements, so make sure you look at both options to determine which one is a better fit for your particular goals.

Overall, the department is known for its strong emphasis on music scholarship and composition, along with music performance. They offer courses in diverse areas such as Western classical music, non-Western music, electronic music, jazz, and more.

The faculty members at UC Santa Cruz are highly qualified, with many of them boasting impressive achievements in their respective fields. They're active professionals in the industry: composers, performers, musicologists, and theorists alike. You'll have lots of opportunities to learn from experts with real-world experience.

Department resources include access to practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, and performance facilities. The university library also has a large collection of books, scores, and recordings.

As for performance opportunities, UC Santa Cruz hosts a variety of ensembles, such as orchestra, choirs, wind ensemble, and jazz. There are also chamber music groups and special area ensembles (e.g., percussion, electronic music, opera). Students are encouraged to participate in ensembles, as they can provide valuable performance experience that enhances what they're learning in class. Additionally, throughout the year, the department organizes concerts, recitals, and masterclasses given by visiting artists, so that students can see the pros at work.

Of course, it's important to visit the campus (if possible) and connect with current music students or faculty members to get a better sense of the program and community. Consider what you're looking for in a music program, as well as in your broader college experience, and whether UC Santa Cruz aligns with your interests and goals, personally as well as musically.

If you do end up applying to UC Santa Cruz and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their application essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-california-essays. I hope this information helps you in your college search and decision-making process. Good luck!