Musical Migration: The Relocation Process to UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music
Transferring to the prestigious UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is considered a significant milestone for students seeking to continue their musical journey. The school has been actively working to streamline the transfer process, with articulation agreements finalised with three local community colleges and deeper relationships being forged with area institutions.
One such student is Owen Richards, a member of the saxophone studio, who transferred from El Camino College and discovered a passion for jazz. Richards was attracted to the globally focused jazz studies major and the proximity to renowned artists. Eileen Strempel, the inaugural dean of the school, is committed to ensuring transfer students feel integrated and enriches the intellectual and artistic life of the school.
Daisy Faragher is another transfer student who found her calling at the school. After leaving Berkeley, she enrolled in a jazz improvisation class at Los Angeles Community College and is now studying Persian music and singing, as well as being a member of the Iranian Ensemble. Faragher is working on a senior capstone project that involves an album of original music, animation, and film.
The Herb Alpert School of Music offers unique opportunities for students to work in multiple musical traditions, making it an attractive destination for transfer students. The school follows the same application process as first-year undergraduates, with auditions and interviews for certain majors occurring simultaneously.
Transfer students typically learn of their status by May 1, and have until June 1 to make their decisions. The enrollment strategy of the school involves a highly selective admissions process but offers a notably higher acceptance rate compared to many other UCLA programs, with the 2025 admissions cycle seeing an acceptance rate of approximately **19.92%**.
UCLA employs a holistic review process when evaluating applicants, considering academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal insights, and unique experiences. The university's Center for Community College Partnerships also supports transfer students holistically, indicating an institutional emphasis on transfer student success and integration.
The Herb Alpert School of Music places value on attracting and enrolling qualified transfer students while maintaining rigorous standards. Prospective transfer students should consult the school's admissions webpage or contact their admissions office directly for specific enrollment strategy details, such as required courses, auditions, or portfolio submissions.
Recruiting and retaining transfer students is a priority, reflected in recruitment and internal policies. The transition for transfer students can be challenging, especially due to pre-existing student relationships, but the school is committed to making the process as smooth as possible.
In conclusion, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music welcomes transfer students with open arms, offering a unique and enriching educational experience in the realm of music.
- Pursuing personal growth and learning, Daisy Faragher transferred from Berkeley to the Herb Alpert School of Music, exploring various musical traditions like Persian music and jazz improvisation.
- Seeking a globally focused jazz studies major and unique opportunities for education-and-self-development, Owen Richards transported from El Camino College to UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music, uncovering his passion for jazz.
