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The UC Santa Cruz Music Department provides two bachelor's degree options: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music and a Bachelor of Music (B.M.). The B.A. program features a broad curriculum with specialized tracks available in Contemporary Practices, Global Musics, or Western Art Music. The B.M. program caters to aspiring professional performers. Additionally, students can pursue minors in Electronic Music, Jazz, Spontaneous Composition and Improvisation, or Western Art Music, allowing both music majors and students from other fields to incorporate musical studies. These programs stand out by blending performance, theory, composition, literature, and cultural studies, equipping graduates for advanced study or careers in performance, education, and digital music.
Educational Opportunities
The program offers diverse performance experiences where students explore music:
as cultural expression through world music ensembles,
historically through groups specializing in Renaissance to contemporary styles,
technologically via electronic music labs and workshops,
creatively in composition and improvisation-focused seminars.