UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

07/18/2025

Our summer voice program for high school students is in full swing! Our world-class faculty are helping the next generation of talented vocalists find and amplify their voices.

07/17/2025

SUMMER DISPATCH | Ariella "Gigi" Goldberg (Music Industry) writes: “I’m a singer-songwriter, and this summer I’ve been performing my original music and covers at local restaurants in my hometown of Boulder, Colorado. It’s been such a fun and fulfilling experience!”

07/15/2025

This past March, scholars, artists, and students gathered for the 66th Annual Meeting of the Society for Ethnomusicology Southern California and Hawai’i Chapter. Celebrating the arrival of Mantle Hood at UCLA and the subsequent founding of the Department of Ethnomusicology, this event included an enriching exchange of research, music, and dance. Attendants explored insightful academic research, participated in engaging discussions and workshops, and enjoyed lively concerts. Highlights included two memorable keynote sessions featuring special guest speakers Nobuko Miyamoto, Hazel Chung Hood, and Made Mantle Hood. These moments act as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bridge culture and communities.

07/11/2025

Our summer songwriting intensive brings talented high schoolers to our campus and recording studio at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music to hone their craft.

07/09/2025

Remember this last June? Under the direction of Dwayne Milburn and Travis Cross, the Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble concluded the academic year with a concert featuring works by Korean and Korean-American composers. Joined by the Music of Korea Samulnori Ensemble and a special guest appearance from UCLA alumna Janet Kim, they delivered an unforgettable performance!

07/08/2025

Honoring a legend, empowering the future. We're proud to announce that The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music has partnered with Universal Music Group to establish the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship.

This initiative celebrates Berry Gordy's enduring legacy by investing in the next generation of music industry talent.

https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/berry-gordy-music-industry-scholarship-press-release/

06/27/2025

An unforgettable jazz event. Our jazz combos took to the stage on June 1st with a high-energy showcase featuring Hitomi Oba’s Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, Salim Washington’s jazz combo, the Ginger Smock String Jazz Ensemble led by Regina Carter, and The Mingus Ensemble, which spotlighted original student arrangements and Nina Zipnick’s arrangement of Charles Mingus’ iconic “Fables of Faubus.”‌
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06/24/2025

We are thrilled to share that Gabriel Esperon, a master's student at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has been appointed a Judith and Thomas L. Beckman LA Phil Resident Fellow in 2025-26. As a fellow, Esperon will perform as a violinist in orchestral, chamber music, new music, and educational outreach concerts at both Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
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Gabriel is the first sitting UCLA student to win this fellowship. He studies with Varty Manouelian and Movses Pogossian in our violin studio.
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Check out his story!

https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/gabriel-esperon-violin-student-appointed-la-phil-resident-fellow/

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06/20/2025

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music's 24/25 commencement was a very special ceremony and celebration. Our Commencement Brass and West African drum ensembles welcomed the candidates for graduation, our African American Music student ensemble delivered a powerful performance of Dr. Diane White Clayton's gospel song "One by One," our vocal students sang the alma mater and graduates and faculty recessed to our student ensemble Mariachi de Uclatlán. Congratulations to all our 2025 graduates!
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/the-2025-commencement-one-by-one/

06/13/2025

We mourn this week the passing of Brian Wilson at the age of 82. Wilson was the co-founder and visionary force behind the Beach Boys, one of the twentieth century’s most popular and influential bands. Wilson’s strikingly original songs helped define the sound of the 1960s and left an indelible mark on American music. To understand this innovative artist’s songs, redemption and legacy, KCRW (and the BBC, and the New York Times) turned to his biographer David Leaf, adjunct professor of music industry and musicology at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
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https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/ice-brian-wilson-film/smile-book

06/11/2025

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Justin McManus as Director of Athletic Bands/Associate Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music, effective July 1, 2025. A published scholar with over a decade of leadership at top Division I programs, Dr. McManus brings experience, energy, and vision to the Solid Gold Sound. Welcome to Bruin country, Dr. McManus!

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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/?p=54281&preview=1&_ppp=d9048b92c4

06/09/2025

Thank you to the brilliant and talented performers from The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music who brought their artistry to the ceremony marking the inauguration of Julio Frenk.

From a surprise piano performance to opera to ensembles, UCLA students and local artists brought musical connection to the historic moment.

06/04/2025

The Benno Rubinyi Piano Student Competition
Friday, June 6, 5:00 p.m.
Livestream

For over two decades, the Benno Rubinyi Piano Student Competition has stood as a hallmark of excellence for undergraduate piano students at UCLA. On June 6 at 5:00pm, talented piano performance majors will each perform two classical works for a panel of distinguished judges, competing for the prestigious Rubinyi Prize. Named in memory of pianist and UCLA alumnus Benno Rubinyi, and made possible through the enduring generosity of the Rubinyi family, this annual event celebrates both musical artistry and the legacy of support that makes it possible. We invite you to join us online and cheer on our student pianists as they share their craft and compete for top honors.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/ucla-22nd-annual-benno-rubinyi-piano-competition/

06/04/2025

In the music industry program at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, students get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a show to life. "Concerts and Venues: Producing Special Events and Live Concerts" (MI 114) is led by Stig Edgren, whose experience and originality continue to put him at the frontline of the live production industry. Students learn how to plan a live event in any setting—stadiums, arenas, exhibitions, even art installations. With guest speakers, site visits and unmatched access, students see the music industry in action.

06/03/2025

The Music of Paul Schoenfield - Milken Center Chamber Music Series
Sunday, June 8
4:00 PM
Ensemble Room: Ostin Music Center
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The Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience welcomes you to the Milken Center Chamber Music Series, a concert series that celebrates the lasting impact of Jewish composers. This concert features Paul Schoenfield's 2001 Pulitzer Prize-nominated song cycle, “Camp Songs”, performed by students, faculty, and alumni.

Concert is free and open to the public.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/composer-portrait-the-music-of-paul-schoenfield/

06/02/2025

UCLA Philharmonia Spring Performance 🎻
Saturday, June 7
8:00 PM
Schoenberg Hall
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UCLA Philharmonia's final concert of the season features Ravel's evocative Rhapsodie Espagnole, Shostakovich's spiky Piano Concerto No. 1, and Arnold Schoenberg's opulent orchestration of Brahms' Quartet for Piano and Strings in G minor, Op. 25.

Concert is free and open to the public.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/ucla-philharmonia-may-2025/‌‌

06/02/2025

Music of Thailand Ensemble and Sphere Project Performance
Saturday, June 7
7:00 PM
Lani Hall
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The Spring Festival of World Music concludes with a lively finale! Opening the evening, the Music of Thailand Ensemble performs music traditions from central, north, and northeast Thailand. Afterward, The Sphere Project, featuring the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble at UCLA, takes the stage with original compositions incorporating music from various world traditions.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and enjoy music from around the world! 🌏✈️

Concert is free and open to the public.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/music-of-thailand-ensemble-and-sphere-project-performance/

05/30/2025

The inauguration ceremony for Chancellor Julio Frenk has been announced for June 5 at 10:00am/PT. Marking an important step for the UCLA community, Chancellor Frenk brings a history of education and public service that will play a pivotal role in shaping the university to embody its mission.

Since joining the university, Chancellor Frenk launched "UCLA Connects: Listening Exercise," a series that invited members of the UCLA community to engage in an open dialogue about their thoughts and concerns. Using these conversations as insight, Chancellor Frenk has developed a plan to reflect the needs of the community, which he will share during his inaugural address.

All are invited to attend the inauguration online. https://chancellor.ucla.edu/inauguration

05/30/2025

UCLA Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
Thursday, June 5
8:00 PM
Schoenberg Hall
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Join us for the final spring performance by the UCLA Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. The evening begins with the Symphonic Band, conducted by UCLA alumnus Dwayne Milburn. The Wind Ensemble follows with a program inspired by the LA Phil’s Seoul Festival, featuring works by Korean and Korean American composers, including the West Coast premiere of Borrowed Scenery: "Dadohae" by Kang Han-Moi.

Concert is free and open to the public.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/ucla-wind-ensemble-and-symphonic-band-spring-2025/

05/30/2025

UCLA Symphony
Wednesday, June 4
8:00 PM
Schoenberg Hall
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For its final performance of the academic year, the UCLA Symphony presents The Saint Saëns Organ Symphony, conducted by two of our very own graduate orchestral conducting students, Samuel Chung and Gan Xiong.​​ This breathtaking performance features master’s student Emma Yim on the organ and concertmaster, Mingye Wang, who is the first musician to have been selected for the UCLA Symphony outside of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

Concert is free and open to the public.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/ucla-symphony-4/

05/29/2025

Spring Jazz Concert Series🎷🎶
June 1-3
4:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Schoenberg Hall
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Celebrate our talented students and faculty at the final jazz concert series of the 24-25 academic year! Performances will feature a combination of well-known jazz standards, contemporary works, pop songs, and original compositions by the faculty directors and the students.

Concert 1: Hitomi Oba's ensembles will perform classics like Charles Mingus's "Fables of Faubus" and "Canon." Salim Washington's Jazz combo performs pieces written and arranged by students. The performance will also feature the Ginger Smock String Ensemble—directed by Regina Carter with a set including "A Woman's Place is in the Groove" and Chick Corea's "Alice."‌

Concert 2: Jazz combos led by Charley Harrison and Roberto Mirando will bring you works from John Coltrane to Fats Waller. The concert concludes with the jazz orchestra (directed by Harrison) showcasing compilations of creativity, collaboration, and seriously fun swing.‌

Concert 3: You’ll hear everything from iconic jazz standards such as "Bye Bye Blackbird" to pop tunes by Supertramp ("Takin' the Long Way Home") and original compositions by our amazing faculty and students. Featuring jazz combos led by Duane Benjamin, Clayton Cameron, and Michelle Weir.‌

Concert is free and open to the public.
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June 1: https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/ucla-spring-jazz-concert-1/
June 2: https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/ucla-spring-jazz-concert-2/
June 3: https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/ucla-spring-jazz-concert-3/

05/29/2025

We were honored to welcome Chancellor Julio Frenk and philanthropist Lowell Milken to the May 18 West Coast premiere of that honored Arnold Schoenberg's legacy and the incredible work of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and the Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience. It was a powerful reminder of how music bridges cultures and keeps us connected.

05/28/2025

Spring Festival of World Music: Music of Java Ensemble and Music of Bali Ensemble
Saturday, May 31
7:00 PM
Schoenberg Hall
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Experience the vibrant culture of Java and Bali at this next installment of the Spring Festival of World Music! From the rich, layered rhythms of Javanese gamelan to the fast-paced energy of Balinese gong kebyar and dance, this performance highlights their rich musical and artistic traditions.

Concert is free and open to the public.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/music-of-java-ensemble-and-music-of-bali-ensemble/

05/28/2025

Musicology Department’s Early Music Ensemble Concert
Sunday, June 1
4:00 PM
Ensemble Room: Ostin Music Center
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Welcome special guest Salieu Suso on the kora and prepare to set sail on a musical journey around the globe and experience the sounds of life at sea and in port. This unique event uses period instruments to perform a variety of works, including Mexican and Cuban sones de la tierra, Canarian sirinoques, sea shanties, and more! ⛵️🌊

Concert is free and open to the public.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/musicology-departments-early-music-ensemble-concert-2/

05/27/2025

Spring Festival of World Music: Turkey, Korea, and Ghana
Friday, May 30
7:00 PM
Schoenberg Hall
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Embark on a musical journey across continents at our next Spring Festival of World Music showcase.

🇹🇷Beginning with the Music of Turkey Ensemble, students will perform the vocal and instrumental repertoire from fasil, folk, and other genres found in Turkey and its periphery.

🇰🇷Next, we traverse across Asia for a performance by the Music of Korea Ensemble. Led by instructor Gamin Kang, this performance features traditional Korean instruments, including the danso, piri, janggu, and more.

🇬🇭Our journey concludes in Ghana, with a lively performance by the Music and Dance of Ghana Ensemble. Get a taste of the diverse music and dance styles drawn from several cultures from Ghana’s south, including the Akuapem, Akan, Ga, and Ewe.

Concert is free and open to the public.
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https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/music-of-turkey-music-of-korea-music-and-dance-of-ghana/