Student Testimonials

Department of Music students share why they chose UC Santa Barbara

This past fall, potential undergraduate and graduate students around the globe narrowed down their top choices for schools and began the application process. With its stunning campus, incredible faculty, and ample opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary work, UC Santa Barbara has been ranked among the top 10 public national universities by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years and remains at the top of many students’ lists. We took the opportunity to ask some of our current graduate and undergraduate students why they chose UC Santa Barbara and what makes studying music here so ideal.

Tanner Cassidy, Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory

Why did you choose UC Santa Barbara?

I originally heard about UCSB from an enthusiastic alumnus, and was sold on the exceptional faculty. It’s a department big enough to get a breadth of experience that’s also intimate enough to work closely with faculty and colleagues. Plus, the fair weather and nearby beaches don’t hurt either!

What is your favorite part of studying theory at UC Santa Barbara?

The best part of theory at UCSB is definitely how engaged and friendly my cohort is. Classes and conferences are always accompanied by lively discussions, and everyone is supportive of each others’ research. The excellent UC library services and UCSB archives also make the research process a breeze.

Jared Holton, Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology

Photo by Zach Mendez

Why did you choose UC Santa Barbara?

I chose UCSB for the world-class professors, teaching opportunities as a graduate student, and the impressive interdisciplinary networks across campus. I have not been disappointed! Add to this access to the immense Special Collections sound archives, professional development opportunities in pedagogy, and exposure to top-touring musicians—I’m honored to be a member of the UCSB community. Through these experiences, I have gained confidence in my abilities to research, teach, and write in the Humanities across a range of academic and non-academic positions. Plus, my musicianship has increased through participation in diverse music ensembles at UCSB. The Ethnomusicology department, in particular, is a vibrant and challenging place to absorb the past history of the field and explore the cutting edges of the present. My thinking is sharper, my writing clearer, my musicianship more perceptive, and my teaching practiced.

Alexis Mancilla, Bachelor of Music (Flute)

Why did you choose UC Santa Barbara?

I chose to attend UCSB primarily because I was so ecstatic to work with the flute professor, Jill Felber. Before enrolling in the university, I had worked with Professor Felber in a few masterclasses and lessons, which inspired me to attend a program with an instructor that I was receptive to. Because of her amazing teaching style and incredible passion for music, UCSB was my top university choice!

Why did you choose your major?

Studying music was the only thing that I was certain of going into college. Because I have been playing the flute for almost ten years and have participated in several types of music organizations, I definitely wanted to continue my involvement of music at a collegiate level.

What is your favorite part of studying music at UC Santa Barbara?

One of my favorite aspects of studying music at UCSB is being able to collaborate with, engage with, and learn from such a diverse community of students and faculty. It has been so interesting to connect with those of different backgrounds and experiences, while maintaining a similar passion for music. The world music courses, specifically, have allowed me to analyze and listen to music from such an open-minded perspective.

Joel Jaffe, Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies

Why did you choose UC Santa Barbara?

I chose UCSB because the beautiful campus and energy of IV are unbeatable. I was looking for places to enjoy the ocean, play music and live the college experience—and at UCSB I’ve found all three.

Why did you choose your major?

I’ve been playing electric bass for over four years now, and wanted to use the university system as a scaffolding for my music career. I was made aware that UCSB’s music department has a lot of knowledge and resources to offer, including groundbreaking research and the amazing feat of human creativity that is the AlloSphere.

What is your favorite part of studying music at UC Santa Barbara?

My favorite part so far of studying music here has been all the great musicians I’ve had the pleasure of jamming with in IV. From the lead guitarist of Closeout to my awesome fraternity brothers, I’ve already been having a blast playing with some of the best musicians at UCSB.

Daniel Marella, Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies

Why did you choose UC Santa Barbara?

I was being recruited to swim at a Division 1 level all across the country, and ended up choosing UCSB for reasons in and out of the pool. Outside of the pool UCSB excels in the classroom at the highest level, on par with the best public and private universities in the world. Not to mention the social atmosphere and the one of a kind location. In the pool I joined a program with a winning tradition that would elevate my athletic talent and skill to its highest level.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose to be a Music Studies major because all aspects of music fascinates me: performance, theory, history, and writing. Here at UCSB, I get a taste of everything and get to dive deep into the early roots of music, and walk through the music history timeline to the present day.

What is your favorite part of studying music at UC Santa Barbara?

My favorite part of studying music at UCSB is how the professors tailor the material towards the students’ best interests. They’ve always been very lenient towards final paper guidelines, pieces we can play, and material they cover based on what the student is most interested in. For example, Jon Nathan, the Jazz Band instructor, let me and a few others pick repertoire to play at our final concert, so long as it fell under the genre of New Orleans Jazz. Another being that I am super interested in the history of Rock and Roll, and have been able to deeply research the subject and write numerous papers on it.

Clara Pitsker, Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies

Why did you choose UC Santa Barbara?

I chose UC Santa Barbara because I liked the friendly attitude of the students and the many opportunities available at a big school, including the ability to easily double major. Not to mention the beautiful campus!

Why did you choose your major?

I chose a BA in Music Studies because I loved the music classes I took for fun and wanted to further my musical education. The Music Studies major in particular was flexible with a double major in Environmental Studies.

What is your favorite part of studying music at UC Santa Barbara?

My favorite part of studying music at UC Santa Barbara is the support of my fellow music majors. The small size of the music department allowed me to make new friends easily and be able to get help from someone I know in class.