Qualifying Examinations Qualifying examinations are required only of Ph.D. students. The written exams cover style composition, music history, analysis, 20th-century music, and two topics chosen from acoustics, aesthetics, psychology of music, ethnomusicology, and music theory. An oral exam follows. The M.A. thesis is a composition. The Ph.D. dissertation comprises a composition and an analytical monograph dealing with some aspect of a 20th-century composition.
Students defend their thesis or dissertation in a final oral examination.
For a complete outline of degree requirements, see Program Requirements for UCLA Graduate Degrees available in the departmental office and accessible on the graduate division webpage . Professional Opportunities Close contact with the faculty, and with visiting artists who have included Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Redman, Sergiu Schwartz, Placido Domingo, Herbie Hancock and the late Henry Mancini, not only gives students invaluable insights into the world of professional music, but has led to introductions and performance opportunities that have launched careers. Because the program requires students to perform regularly, UCLA s graduate musicians acquire considerable experience and a high degree of professionalism. Members of the UCLA Philharmonia Orchestra gain experience in symphony and chamber orchestra repertoire as well as in opera. The Opera Program produces fully staged operas and offers workshops and master classes with distinguished directors such as the internationally renowned stage director Michael Hampe.