Students who have taken collegiate-level theory courses at other schools should get in touch with the Music advisor, to see if any courses can articulate to UCSC music theory courses. Theory courses taken at other schools do not automatically replace theory courses in the program.
Even if some courses can be articulated, it is still strongly recommended to take the Music Theory Placement Exam, to ensure the proper starting point for students.
The exam is offered virtually, via Canvas, for students who want to determine placement ahead of their August enrollment period. Sign up using the google form on this page. To ensure enough time to process your exam, make sure to complete the exam no later than July.
The exam will also be held in-person, in the Music Center 131 (small performance studio) on Monday, September 22, from 2:00-4:30 PM. See a sample exam, as well as other information about the exam, on this page. No registration is required; students should bring a pencil.
Review the General Catalog, especially the sample academic plans and major qualification policy.
Students pursuing the Music B.M., or the Music B.A. with a concentration in “Western Music”, should take Individual lessons and performing ensembles on their primary instrument.
Students pursuing other concentrations in the Music B.A. (“Compositional Practices” & “Global Musics”) should take performing ensembles and/or performance practice workshops, foundational theory courses such as MUSC 20A or 14, and large lecture Music courses that fulfill GE’s, such as courses from the MUSC 11, 80, and 81 series.
Additional considerations when developing your first quarter enrollment plan can be found in the First Quarter Enrollment Advising Guide 2025-26.
Cory Graves-Montalbano
cgravesm@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-2804
Music Center 244