Exploring Events at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is a vibrant hub of musical activity, offering a diverse range of events throughout the year. From student performances to guest artist concerts and academic conferences, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 events annually, the vast majority being free and open to the public, the school provides ample opportunities to experience the richness and diversity of music.

A Legacy of Musical Excellence

Established as UCLA's 12th professional school in January 2016, thanks to a generous $30 million gift from the Herb Alpert Foundation, the school has quickly become a leading institution for music education in the 21st century. It distinguishes itself by harmonizing performance and scholarship, embracing a wide spectrum of musical genres encompassing classical Western music, world music, jazz, and popular contemporary music.

With a student body of over 580 undergraduate and graduate students, the school offers 15 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs through its three highly-regarded academic departments.

Showcasing Talent: Student Performances

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music provides numerous platforms for its students to showcase their talent and hard work. These performances range from studio recitals to large ensemble concerts, offering students invaluable experience and exposure.

All-Star Competition

One of the highlights of the performance calendar is the Annual All-Star competition. Winners of this competition get the opportunity to perform on the prestigious Schoenberg Hall stage, supported by the UCLA Philharmonia.

For instance, the 20th Annual All-Star competition featured a diverse lineup of talented students, including:

Isaac Fromme (Cello)
Mana Tatsuki (Violin)
Esther Kim & Cyrus Asasi (Clarinets)
Grace Brandes (Flute)
Qeanu Smith (Saxophone)
Damian Silvera (Clarinet)
Haruka Taguchi (Saxophone)
Sofia Dell’Agostino (Soprano)
Jessica Li (Piano)

The concerts were led by student conductors Oliver Chan and Gan Xiong, with original compositions by Naveed Perkins.

Ethnomusicology Spring Festival

The Department of Ethnomusicology hosts an annual Spring Festival of World Music, a tradition that began in 1960. This festival showcases student ensembles performing traditional musics from around the world, drawing on the department's extensive collection of world musical instruments. The 2025 festival concerts ran from May 4 to June 7, featuring performances in Schoenberg Hall and Lani Hall.

Holiday Performances

During the holiday season, various studios within the school present festive performances. For example, the Piano Studio shared a four-hands arrangement of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed by Sophia Jin and Helen Yuan. The Tuba & Euphonium Studio offered a rendition of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" by master’s student Bradley Stires and Nicholas Gil. The African American Music Ensemble of the Department of Ethnomusicology presented "Go Tell It" arranged by Diane White-Clayton, featuring soloists Alexis Richmond and Michael Torres.

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA stands as a unique and prestigious program within the school. As a tuition-free, two-year program, it welcomes a select ensemble of musicians each class, providing them with full scholarships and stipends to cover living expenses.

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The institute's mission is to foster the development of the next generation of jazz masters by providing intensive individual and group instruction, personal mentoring, and lectures on the jazz tradition. Students are encouraged to experiment and expand the boundaries of jazz through their compositions and performances.

Mentorship and Performance Opportunities

Students in the program have the extraordinary opportunity to study with some of the most renowned figures in jazz history, including Kenny Barron, Jerry Bergonzi, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter and many others.

The Institute of Jazz Performance students and instructors engage in a wide range of major concerts and community outreach programs, both in the United States and internationally. These performances have taken them to prestigious venues such as the White House, UNESCO events in Paris, and international jazz festivals in Tokyo, Saint Petersburg, Havana, and Melbourne.

Class of 2027

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA selected six exceptional young jazz musicians from around the world for the Class of 2027:

Nicolaus Gelin (trumpet): From Miami, Gelin studied at the Manhattan School of Music and is a YoungArts winner.
Nathan Gilbreath (trombone): From Seattle, Gilbreath studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has performed with prominent jazz musicians.
Mwanzi Harriott (guitar): From Miami and raised in Atlanta, Harriott attended Berklee College of Music and has played with artists in New York City.
Yerin Kim (bass): From South Korea, Kim received her degree from Berklee College of Music and has toured internationally.
Elisee Ngbo (piano): From Bridgeport, Connecticut, Ngbo studied at Western Connecticut State University and has received mentorship from leading jazz musicians.
Rakotonanahary (piano): Rakotonanahary won the Best Soloist award at the Trophées du Sunset Sunside and has performed at major jazz festivals across France.

Ethnomusicology Archive

The Ethnomusicology Archive plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating diverse musical traditions. The archive hosts events such as the conference celebrating Hua Wenyi (1941-2022), a Kunqu opera performer.

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Practical Information for Attending Events

Location and Parking

Most events take place in Schoenberg Hall and Lani Hall on the UCLA campus. Self-service parking is available at UCLA’s Parking Structure #2. Visitor parking is marked by a green circle and the letter “P” on the lower levels. Parking costs range from $4 for 1 hour to $15 for all day.

Accessibility

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is committed to providing accommodations and services for access and communications.

Other Considerations

Visitors are welcome to take non-flash, personal-use photography unless otherwise noted. Food and drink are not allowed in the theaters.

Remembering Mimi Alpert Feldman

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music mourns the loss of Mimi Alpert Feldman, a philanthropist, businesswoman, and champion for education. Her contributions to the school and the wider community will be remembered.

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