Julianna Meneses ’25 
Major: Bachelor of Arts in music, minor in ethnic studies 
Hometown: Moraga, California
Extracurriculars: Kilusan Pilipino, Sigma Alpha Iota 
Favorite off-campus places: Little Manila Center, Filipino American National Historical Society Museum, Sam’s Cafe, MonTea Boba 

In the opening moments of her original composition “Meditation on a Homecoming,” Julianna Meneses ’25 looks directly into the crowd and asks, “Do you want to go swimming in the river?” 

Sharply and quickly, she draws her bow across the double bass strings. Then, Meneses responds, “Mommy, I don’t know how to swim!” 

Heedless of this concern, she dives back into the performance. A video Meneses shot in the Philippines is projected across her face, instrument and the back wall. At one point, she puts down her double bass so she can dance.  

Meneses, who is working toward a BA in music with a minor in ethnic studies, played “Meditation on a Homecoming” along with another original piece for her senior recital in University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music.   

She wrote the piece after receiving Pacific’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and spending two months in the Philippines, doing research, meeting scholars and producing a video of her experiences.  

“Studying at Pacific has been really good for my specific research interest, which is Tinggian music and dance in Abra, Philippines,” Meneses says. “What really helped me was the small class sizes, being able to talk with my professors one-on-one.” 

Meneses credits Professor Kumiko Uyeda with helping her grow ever since her first semester at Pacific. It was actually Uyeda’s class that convinced her to pursue the work she does now.  

Ethnomusicology

Meneses, who has been playing double bass since the sixth grade, says that researching the history and culture of music wasn’t originally her plan. She enrolled in Pacific as a music education major, intending to teach in the Oakland and Richmond area where she had cut her teeth in the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra.  

But there was another interest that also drew her to Pacific.  

“I was also very interested in the Filipino community here,” Meneses says. “I really wanted to become involved or at least be around those communities because I grew up in an area where there were not that many people that looked like me. Coming here made me feel at home and helped me establish my own identity.” 

During her first semester, Meneses took “Music of the World’s People” with Uyeda, where she learned that she could combine these interests through the field of ethnomusicology.  

“It made me realize, ‘oh, I can study indigenous Filipino music and it can be seen as a legitimate scholarly thing.’ After that, there was no going back,” Meneses says.  

Even after that class, Uyeda has helped guide Meneses as she grows as a researcher and person.  

To focus her studies on ethnomusicology, Meneses switched majors to a Bachelor of Arts in music because it provides a lot of flexibility with electives. She rounded out that education with a minor in ethnic studies. Another pathway you could choose is a Bachelor of Music in music history.  

Pacific’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Leading up to the summer of 2024, Meneses applied for Pacific’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. The fellowship supports faculty-mentored student research by providing a stipend, housing allowance and funds for research supplies.  

With the funding in hand, Meneses set off for a busy two months in the Philippines. While there, she did archival research and even attended an international academic conference focused on traditional performing arts.  

Most of her trip, around five or six weeks, was spent in the province of Abra. There, she learned more about local musical traditions through interviews and hands-on musical practice. 

“I played the gongs with people,” Meneses says. “I learned about bamboo musical instruments and different singing traditions. The technique is called ‘participant observation.’ That was a big help to learning what I know now.” 

While she was travelling, she also filmed what she saw: chickens in a coop, trees blowing in the wind, flowing rivers and similar scenes from nature. Then, she edited them into a video that became the basis for her piece “Meditation on a Homecoming,” writing music that mimicked its sounds and integrated folk melodies. 

“I called it ‘Meditation on a Homecoming.’ Because I’ve never been to Abra before, but that is where my mother is from,” Meneses says. “So, it was a strange feeling of, ‘I’m from here because my ancestors are from here.’ But culturally, socially, I’m an outsider. It was this weird duality that I was experiencing that I wanted to express musically.” 

Turning an interest into research

If you have a passion you want to turn into a field of study, Meneses says the most important thing is to build your connections, whether that’s with professors, students with similar interests or local organizations.  

Professors can recommend classes or books, while local organizations host events where you can observe or participate. As you deepen your understanding, you’ll start to find areas where you can contribute yourself.  

“Get comfortable with introducing yourself,” she says. “Because you’ll eventually make lots of connections with people that are interested in the same thing as you.” 

This is why Meneses believes studying music at Pacific is so special. Not only does our smaller community make it easier to connect with people, but there are so many opportunities, organizations and student groups where you can join in.  

These relationships even helped Meneses turn bring “Meditation on a Homecoming” to life. Professor Kathryn Schulmeister taught her improvisation techniques for the piece and connected Meneses with another musician, Joanna Mattrey, to develop its narrative. 

As she nears graduation, Meneses plans to continue promoting indigenous performance.  

“I plan on joining Parangal Dance Company in San Francisco,” she says. “They focus on promoting and uplifting indigenous music and dance from the Philippines. They also perform some of the more Spanish-influenced dances as well as dances associated with national Filipino identity.” 

Her path to ethnomusicology hasn’t totally changed her original plans, though. Meneses still wants to give back to where she came from, working with Oakland and Richmond’s school districts.  

Pac Ave Records is Pacific’s own student run record label, responsible for creating some of Pacific’s musical events and developing student talent for the music industry. Students collaborate in various roles and projects to produce original music from classical jazz to R&B.  

Pac Ave was initially a student-run record label program that disbanded each semester, but in 2012 the organization became the university’s first permanent label, housed in Pacific’s Conservatory of Music. Professor Joshua Smotherman currently serves as the permanent faculty adviser and chief operating officer.  

“We focus on giving students the skills to get a job in the music industry when they graduate,” Smotherman said.  

The business of music

Pac Ave is a two-semester course required for music industry studies majors that offers a variety of areas students can focus on, allowing them to explore every facet of the industry.  

Students can study the legal side of the industry, marketing, publishing, and of course, art and production. These roles all contribute to Pac Ave’s main goal: working with artists to produce original music. Once recording sessions, audio mixing and mastering are completed, the product is approved by the artist and published. 

Students also distribute and market the music once it’s released on Spotify and other social media platforms. 

“We’re not really out to make a profit. We’re just here to release good music,” Smotherman explained. “Students come in and they get real-world experience by just doing the things that need to be done to curate music.” 

Leadership and teamwork

Giving students the means to independently produce their own music and albums strengthens their skills. 

“I learned a lot about leadership and how to communicate effectively with your team and how to collaborate,” said music industries studies major, Mia Miller ’26.   

Mia and her crew held events where they collaborated with artists, helped with sound checks, and even planned the food and decorations.  

“My favorite thing about Pac Ave is the people in it and the fact that we can collaborate really well and that its student run, I think it’s really important. It can lead you to any real-world experiences,” said music industry studies major Zalika Campbell ’26. 

The Conservatory of Music continues to invest in the record label as it develops some of Pacific’s most creative energy.  

“I would say just the networking part of it is what I love the most,” Smotherman said. It’s like students come in as freshmen and they’re strangers, but by the time they graduate and they’re seniors going out into the work world. They’ve created a family, and they leave Pacific with that family intact.” 

Learn more about Pac Ave Records by following on Instagram. 

Learn more about music industry studies.

The music industry is an exhilarating, rapidly evolving field. Behind every professional musician is a team of experts working in production, licensing, recording, marketing, managing venues and mastering the technology to bring more music to more people.  

Here’s why you should major in music industry studies

A degree in music industry studies prepares students for the modern world of music by blending the business side of the industry with the more technical aspects of the recording arts. And unlike the music business degree, music industry students don’t have to audition or even play an instrument to succeed in the program. Through internships at top record labels, field trips to industry hotspots, experiential learning opportunities and study with renowned faculty experts, students graduate with robust professional networks, paving the way for a variety of jobs within the performance and entertainment industry.

Here are some careers a music industry degree can lead to:

6 ways to work in the music industry

1. Record labels 
   A record label is a company that creates, distributes and promotes musical artists and their work. Whether it’s a major or indie label, these companies have several departments and employment needs tailored to your expertise and interests.
   
   Licensing associates: These professionals know the ins and outs of licensing and song rights and can navigate the commercial use of music, like whether a song can be played in a film or television show or in various media.  
   
   Royalty specialists: Royalty specialists oversee the nuances of copyright law, contracts and royalty disbursements to ensure artists and third-party recipients are fairly compensated for their work.
   
   A&R (artist and repertoire): A&R representatives serve as talent scouts for record labels. With their ears to the ground, they are attuned to the latest trends and help discover and sign new talent.  
   
   Marketing and PR: These folks promote artists through various channels, including web, television, social media, podcasts and print. Experts trained in graphic design, photography and video help bring the overall vision to life. 
   
   Tip: Interning for a record label can be a great place to get your foot in the door and make connections while exploring various career paths in the music industry. 
2. Music Publishing 
   Music publishers specialize in marketing musical works for commercial success and ensure the composer or songwriter receives compensation in exchange for a share of the profits. They pitch their client’s compositions to record companies and help land songs in film, television shows, advertisements, video games and more. A deep understanding of music licensing is crucial for a publisher, and many individuals start out working at record labels or as licensing associates before transitioning into publishing. 
3. Live concert industry 
   Working on live concerts can be an exhilarating experience as artists travel across the country—or world—to deliver unforgettable performances to devoted fans. Putting on a show can be a huge undertaking that requires the coordinated efforts of hundreds of individuals. Here is a sampling of the many jobs that contribute to the magic of live performances: 
   
   Tour manager: A tour manager is the logistical linchpin of a concert tour, making sure all aspects run smoothly. This includes arranging transportation and accommodations (hotels, flights, buses), managing the budget, negotiating with venues and maintaining a schedule for the artist and company. It’s an ideal career for highly organized individuals with a thirst for adventure.
   
   Concert promoter: Concert promoters help publicize live music events, concerts or tours to draw in audiences. They collaborate with booking agents, venues, artists and other industry professionals to plan and execute successful events. Their responsibilities often include securing venues, negotiating contracts, setting ticket prices and marketing the performance. 
   
   Venue manager: A venue manager oversees all aspects of event coordination and the day-to-day operations of concert spaces. They are responsible for handling advertising, managing food and drink services and security. They may also hire concert crew including stage managers, sound and lighting technicians and production assistants who are crucial to delivering live performances. 
   
   Booking agent: A booking agent is someone who arranges and negotiates appearances for an artist. They also look after administrative responsibilities like attending meetings with venue and industry professionals, distributing promotional materials and handling the financial aspects of performances and tours.
4. Artist management  
   Just like in any profession, artists need managers too. It’s likely that at some point in their career, an artist will seek help managing the business aspects of their job so they can concentrate on their music. An artist manager acts as the middleman between the artist and the industry. They help strategize, handle publicity requests, oversee day-to-day schedules and help the artist further their career. Successful artist managers are detail-oriented, master communicators and great at networking and directing many moving parts at once.
5. Producing 
   Music producers are master collaborators who often wear multiple hats. These professionals oversee the entire production process of a song or album, from hiring musicians to scheduling the recording session, to working the soundboard. Successful producers have a working knowledge of audio recording and mixing and understand the latest trends across musical genres. They must possess excellent communication skills and excel in liaising with musicians and recording engineers, managing contracts, balancing a budget and more. Producers play a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction of a project, making it an ideal career for individuals with a strong creative vision and leadership ability. 
6. Entertainment law 
   With the rise of digital media used for music production and distribution, the demand for lawyers who can navigate the complexities of the music industry has never been greater. Entertainment lawyers provide guidance on contract negotiation, intellectual property rights, licensing agreements and copyright law. In addition to representing artists, entertainment lawyers also advise companies that produce and distribute music. To become an entertainment attorney, students will need to attend law school after finishing their undergraduate program and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. For this reason, many students interested in music industry studies choose to minor in pre-law to get a foundational understanding of legal principles prior to going to graduate school.
   

Why is a music industry studies degree at Pacific different? 

Real-world experience

Pacific’s music industry studies program provides a career-focused approach with robust hands-on experiences like the student-run record label Pac Ave Records, mandatory internships, and professional development courses that teach students about revenue streams, royalty computations and financial literacy. Seniors in the program are also required to work with Pacific’s career services department to polish their resumes and apply for jobs before graduation.  

Benom Plumb, program director for music industry studies and music management, encourages students to seek out internships or summer jobs even if they aren’t directly related to their areas of interest, whether it’s a ticketing gig at a local venue or a part-time job at a music festival. 

Your path won’t be linear,” says Plumb. “Even if an experience is adjacent to a field you’re interested in, take it. Take those unexpected opportunities because you never know what’s going to come from them.” 

In February, Plumb led seven seniors in Pacific’s music industry studies program on an eight-day field trip to Los Angeles coinciding with the Grammy Awards. The city is one of the prime destinations for those trying to break into the music industry, along with Nashville, New York and San Francisco. During the trip, students met with music and entertainment industry professionals, toured studios and went behind the scenes of leading media powerhouses including Warner Music and NBC Universal. 
 
And unlike programs at other universities that are often housed within communications or business departments, Pacific’s program is housed within the Conservatory of Music which gives students the advantage of working directly with musicians and creative peers. The arrangement lets students hone their skills across sectors that are reflective of the industry, such as in songwriting, music production, social media marketing and more.  

Involved alumni

Developing meaningful connections with people in the music industry is critical for building a successful career. Another distinctive feature of Pacific’s program is its Music Industry Advisory Board of alumni and industry leaders. These professionals actively contribute to curriculum development, provide mentorship, financial support and help facilitate job placement for students.  

Where you’ll find some of our alumni

• Apple Music
• Live Nation 
• Los Angeles Philharmonic 
• Meta
• Spotify
• Warner Records

“Pacific students have a network of strong alumni who have had time to navigate the industry and are willing to interact with the newer students,” says alumna Mellany Dotson ’20, who is a music clearance assistant at Apple TV+. “The one piece of advice I’d give is to be persistent, and don’t be discouraged in the job search. You can learn from all experiences…find ways to continue to exercise your knowledge and keep going!” 
 
Getting a degree in music industry studies will provide you with a strong foundation, practical experience and the professional connections that will set you up to succeed in this innovative field. 

Learn more about music industry studies at Pacific  

Seven seniors of Pacific’s music industry studies program got a glimpse of their futures during an exciting eight-day trip to Los Angeles in February. The trip was timed to coincide with Grammy awards weekend, which allowed the students to witness the Los Angeles music scene during the excitement of the industry’s most prestigious event of the year. Two lucky MIS students attended the event, a rare experience few college students can claim.  

“I think [the trip] is going to be something I’m going to remember forever,” Kaelin Anamizu ‘24 said. “It really opened up my eyes, and I think a lot of the seniors on the trip can say the same… We’ve never experienced anything like this.” 

Throughout the week, the group of students met with music and entertainment industry professionals, toured studios and visited premiere companies including Warner Music and NBC Universal. The students even received a private tour of the new downtown L.A. live music venue, The Bellwether.  

The music industry studies program is the first collegiate program of its kind in Northern California. This immersive program is led by Professor Benom Plumb whose broad music business experience spans nearly 20 years.  

The excursion supplemented the senior-level class Music Industry Career Development, in which students prepare for their professional lives by fine-tuning their portfolios and developing networking and interpersonal skills. 

For senior Dylan Bliss, meeting the day-to-day artist manager for Glass Animals, Maddie Casey, was a standout moment.  

“She was incredible. She literally stayed at our Airbnb until like 1:30 a.m.,” Bliss said. “She used to do touring, which is what I want to do… She was so joyous to talk about what she does. She answered all my questions––because I asked her a lot of questions––so she was just so incredible and really solidified my love of live [music].” 

Bliss was one of two students on the trip, with Kaelin Anamizu, who joined Professor Plumb in attending the Grammy Awards. Having just two extra tickets to the event, Plumb drew names out of a hat to decide which students would attend.

While most attention falls on the televised portion of the Grammy Awards, Anamizu was struck most by the untelevised Grammy Premiere Ceremony. This time is packed with energetic performances and awards covering a broad range of musical genres. 

“I think I really love it because for me, as a producer and songwriter, I can’t wait in like five or 10 years to be at that stage and be able to look back at the first time I was at the Grammys,” Anamizu said.  

Bliss seconded the sentiment, noting the electric feeling of being among thousands of fellow music lovers in the crowd.  

“The premiere ceremony was really awesome,” she said.  “You can really tell how much they love what they do just based off of their acceptance speeches or just the way that they react when they won a Grammy. And so just being in that room, just the aura was insane.” 

Bliss and Anamizu reflected on lessons they learned during their week, both noting a key piece of advice they learned from many professionals they met: Growth in the music industry is non-linear, and it’s best to stay open to potential opportunities.  

“Every single person [we met] started in one place and ended up in another, there is a lot of hopping around. That’s what the music industry is,” Bliss said. “Expect the unexpected. You can take a job you have no interest in, but they could refer you to your dream job. Do what you can.” 

At Owen Hall on Pacific’s Stockton Campus, music industry studies and music management students get hands-on experience recording and producing music, as well as exploring the business side of the music industry as Pac Ave Records staff members.  

This fall, students will get even more invaluable learning experiences with the arrival of a new, state-of-the-art recording device: the Solid State Logic (SSL) ORIGIN 32-channel studio console.  

Solid State Logic (SSL) ORIGIN console  

The new console, an award-winning, analog recording device that is used at top studios including Abbey Road and Republic Records, will help Conservatory students master the professional tools they will see and use in their future music careers.   

“Students will get experience on industry standard gear, which will qualify them for competitive positions,” said Benom Plumb, program director and associate professor of music industry studies. “Experience on an SSL console is crucial for a recording engineer to get hired in professional studios.” 

The SSL ORIGIN console is compatible with Pro Tools, allowing students to work in both analog and digital realms. The technology recently won the National Association of Music Merchants’ Outstanding Technical Achievement Award. 

“This console is exciting because it’s a hybrid device, so it combines analog and digital, tradition and innovation,” said Plumb.  

Analog recording: a prized gem  

Analog recording, the foundational technology that launched the recording industry, is esteemed among music industry professionals for its warm, natural sound quality.  

Professor Jeff Crawford, recording arts professor and Owen Studio manager, said he is excited to work with students on the new console and teach them about the unique benefits of analog.  

“Analog is highly prized by audio engineers for its more human sound,” explained Crawford. “Studios that have stood the test of time, like Skywalker and Abbey Road, are primarily analog.” 

Owen Studio expansion 

This tech upgrade will coincide with an expansion of the Conservatory of Music’s music production hub, which will soon include three designated studio spaces—all centralized on the second floor of Owen Hall. 

Students will now have access to the analog recording studio, a digital mixing space and a beat studio, which will streamline production flow and function like a professional recording studio.   

“This investment will allow our students to learn, record, mix, and soon, master on site,” said Peter Witte, dean of the Conservatory of Music. “Pacific’s vision of a leading modern Conservatory—fully engaged in music creation, production, and distribution, all student-led and faculty-guided—is even more tangible now.”  

The SSL console will be installed this summer, so students will arrive on campus in the fall with a fresh new space to innovate, create and learn in. So, watch out for a new hit record coming soon from Pacific’s Owen Studio! 

You can connect with music-making at University of the Pacific even if you are not a music major. Here are some opportunities to join Conservatory and music-related activities on campus.

1. Pacific Pep Band (MPER 093-2)

Do you play a mean cowbell? Maybe trombone or saxophone? Consider joining the Pacific Pep Band – no audition required! The Pep Band (@pacificpepband) is often referred to as the “best in the West” because of their high energy and ability to hype up crowds. You can get elective credit for being a part of the Pep Band because it is a one-unit class (with the option to take it for zero units). The Pep Band performs at volleyball, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, and water polo games, as well as various University events.

2. Musical Greek Life

There are two professional music fraternities at Pacific that do not require a music major or minor to join. The fraternities make up what is known as the Intra Music Fraternity Council (IMFC) – find them on Instagram (@pacificimfc).

The Eta Omega chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota (@pacificsai) is a professional music fraternity for people who identify as female or nonbinary. Their mission is “to encourage, nurture, and support the art of music for women with a sincere interest in music.” To join, you must be a music lover (no major or minor required) and attend their recruitment events at the beginning of each semester.

The Beta Pi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (@phimualphabetapi) is a professional music fraternity for people who identify as male. Their mission statement states that “the object of this Fraternity shall be for the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit, the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students, the advancement of music in America, and a loyalty to the Alma Mater.” To join, you must be a music lover (no major or minor required) and attend their recruitment events at the beginning of each semester.

3. Pacific Brass Society

The Pacific Brass Society (@pacificbrass.society) is a student-led brass ensemble that meets regularly on campus. They perform regularly throughout the school year and even carol during the holiday season. If you are interested in joining the Pacific Brass Society, fill out their interest form.

4. Pacific Repertoire Orchestra (PRO)

The Pacific Repertoire Orchestra (@pacificreporchestra) is a student-led chamber orchestra that is open to anyone that plays an orchestral instrument. The orchestra puts on performances every semester and just held its first concerto competition; the orchestra will perform concertos with them this spring. If you are interested in joining the Pacific Repertoire Orchestra, fill out their interest form.

5. Pacific Stocktones

Pacific Stocktones (@pacstocktones) is a student-run a cappella group that is open to everyone. They hold auditions every fall. Some of their annual activities include an EP release, singing Valentines, and, of course, their fabulous performances throughout the school year. The Pacific Stocktones also are on Facebook (@PacStocktones).

6. Pacific Music Therapy Association (PMTA)

The Pacific Music Therapy Association (@uop.pmta) is a great opportunity for students from all majors to learn more about the field of music therapy and grow together as music therapists (or just learn more about the field of music therapy).

7. National Association for Music Education (NAfME) – University of the Pacific Chapter

The University of the Pacific chapter of NAfME (@nafme_at_pacific) creates opportunities for students from all majors to learn more about the field of music education by bringing in guest presenters, assisting with attending the California All-State Music Educators Conference (CASMEC), and sharing resources for professional development.

8. Ensemble Performance (MPER 075)

The Conservatory of Music has several large ensembles, including wind bands and orchestra, that are open to non-music majors. If you are interested in joining a large ensemble, an audition is required; contact Professor Jonathan Latta (jlatta@pacific.edu) for information about auditioning.

To learn more about ensemble auditions and MPER 075 ensembles, visit the Conservatory of Music website.

9. University Chorus (MPER 083)

The University Chorus is a one-unit course offered through the Conservatory that is open to students from all majors. It is an amazing experience for anyone looking to be a part of a choir. The ensemble performs at least twice per semester and often collaborates with other Conservatory and community ensembles. To join, consider registering for MPER 083 (no audition required).

To learn more about Conservatory choral opportunities, visit the Conservatory’s choral ensembles webpage.

10. Neo Souls

Neo Souls (@uopneosouls) is a student-run ensemble open to all students who love R&B, hip hop, pop and more. If you are interested in joining, contact them for audition information.

11. Percussion Ensemble

The Pacific Percussion Ensemble is open to all majors at Pacific. The ensemble is directed by Professor Jonathan Latta and performs an exciting repertoire every school year. An audition is required to join and is primarily based on music-reading abilities.

12. Jazz Ensembles

The Conservatory of Music has several jazz ensembles that are open to all majors, including the big band, vocal jazz, and several combos.

13. Mariachi

Mariachi is offered as a class/ensemble through the conservatory and it is open to all majors as long as you have prior experience playing violin, trumpet, guitar, vihuela or guitarron.

To stay up to date with details on the class, or for more information, check out their Instagram (@mariachiocelotan) and their Facebook (Mariachi Ocelotán).

Learn more about getting involved in the Conservatory here.

About the author

Tristan McMichael

Tristan McMichael ’25 is a music education major at University of the Pacific. He plays saxophone, flute, clarinet, and various other instruments. McMichael is the co-founder of the 501(c)3 non-profit Plumas Performing Arts and currently serves as the public relations officer. On campus, Tristan serves as public relations officer for the Pacific Pep Band, secretary for Pacific’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education and as the alumni secretary and the conservatory community service committee head for the Mu Eta Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon. Additionally, McMichael is a member of the Tiger Team in the admissions office at the University of the Pacific.

My name is Tristan McMichael, and I am currently in my second year at University of the Pacific working toward my Bachelor of Music in Music Education. As someone who has recently applied to music colleges, I’m here to provide you with tips to help you get through the admissions process and ultimately, get into a music conservatory. 

I come from the small town of Quincy, California, where I did not have easy access to private lessons or music colleges, so I understand the struggle of navigating the process of applying for a music college or conservatory. From what to know about admission requirements to how to choose which university to attend, I hope these tips help demystify the application process and give you confidence as you start to apply to music conservatories. 

Tip #1: Know your admission requirements

Applying to college as a music major is like applying to the same college twice because you have your general university application that every student fills out, but then you also have your audition and interviews for the music department separately.

When I applied to school, I applied to three CSUs, the University of Nevada, Reno, and University of the Pacific. The audition requirements for each were completely different, which meant I needed to learn more repertoire and scale patterns for my auditions on saxophone. 

 Tip #2: Have trial lessons with professors

While I was applying to schools, my high school band director recommended that I reach out to the applied professor (the professor who teaches private lessons for a specific instrument) of saxophone at each school and schedule a trial lesson with them. This advice is the best tip I can offer any incoming music major because the applied professor is the one professor a music student will work with closely for their entire collegiate experience. I am incredibly thankful that I knew to do this because it informed my college decision. 

After I had a trial lesson with each professor, I was able to narrow my choices down to three colleges. I ended up choosing Pacific because I really enjoyed the trial lesson I had with Professor Ricardo Martinez, the applied saxophone professor at the Conservatory of Music (and because of the financial aid offer and the amazing music education program led by Professor Ruth Brittin here). Trial lessons are not only a great way to see what professor fits best for you, but they are also a great way to get helpful advice on your audition repertoire and technique to improve before you ultimately audition for your selected universities!

 Tip #3: Practice efficiently for auditions 

Something that I wish I knew when I was preparing for my auditions is how to effectively practice and prepare repertoire. A common misconception is that “practice makes perfect.” This is only true if the repertoire is practiced perfectly. Practice makes permanent, which means that the final product may still contain mistakes. 

In a master class last year, I was told that it takes three repetitions to make something semi-permanent. This stuck with me because if I were to practice something incorrectly several times in a row, it would become a habit, which is hard to break. After this master class, I adjusted how I practice so that I now prioritize accuracy, even if that meant playing passages at very slow tempos. Though this may seem obnoxious at first, it saves time in the long run because I no longer have to go back and try to break bad habits after they are formed. 

A practice journal is a great way to efficiently practice because it helps you to track your progress and plan your practice sessions before they happen. In my experience, going into a practice session without a goal or a specific passage to work on was a waste of time because I always ended up just practicing what I knew already. When I applied to college, I had two pieces of repertoire, two etudes, and 12 different scales to learn between the five schools I applied to. In order to efficiently practice, I would have goals with what I wanted to achieve with the materials and by what date. After each practice session, I would write down a reflection on how I did, along with what I wanted to improve on in the next practice session. This was both a great way to track my progress and to be able to recall what I needed to practice in the following sessions. 

If you would like to learn more about applying to Pacific as a music major, visit our Conservatory of Music admissions page. 

About the author

Tristan McMichael

Tristan McMichael ’25 is a music education major at University of the Pacific. He plays saxophone, flute, clarinet, and various other instruments. McMichael is the co-founder of the 501(c)3 non-profit Plumas Performing Arts and currently serves as the public relations officer. On campus, Tristan serves as public relations officer for the Pacific Pep Band, secretary for Pacific’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education and as the alumni secretary and the conservatory community service committee head for the Mu Eta Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon. Additionally, McMichael is a member of the Tiger Team in the admissions office at the University of the Pacific.

Brylan Finley ’23 is a music performance major at Pacific. She loves singing and, while growing up in Stockton, she attended regional and all state honor choirs as well as Pacific Summer Music Camps. She chose Pacific because it already “felt like home.”

In the spring of 2022, Brylan performed the role of Jenny Diver, one of the lead parts in the Pacific Opera Theatre’s production of “The Threepenny Opera.” The production received one of the first-place awards in the 2022 National Opera Association Production Competition.

Brylan shares her insights about Pacific, favorite places to eat off-campus and her experience singing in an award-winning opera production.

What surprised you about Pacific?
Pacific is very inclusive, and everyone is very supportive.

What is your favorite place to study on campus?
The choir rehearsal hall or the patio outside of Starbucks.

What is your favorite place to do something fun on campus?
Probably the Lair!

Do you have a favorite place to eat out in Stockton?
I LOVE the Siamese Street Thai Restaurant [on the Miracle Mile]! I always get chicken Pad Thai with no spice. BJ’s is my close second. I usually get the ribs or a guacamole bacon burger with a gluten free bun. And, of course, I can’t forget In-N-Out! I order their double meat protein style burger with a light lemonade.

What is the best thing about Pacific’s Conservatory of Music?
Definitely the faculty. I love my professors, and they have been huge pillars in my growth as a person and as a musician.

What do you like best about Pacific Opera Theatre program?
Professor Jim Haffner. His energy and joy that he brings to rehearsals and to his work truly make every day in the program worthwhile.

How often do you get to perform in front of an audience?
I have performed in choir concerts with Pacific Singers, in opera performances and shows, and in my own junior and senior recitals.

What was your favorite performance so far?
I think, it was my junior recital because I was able to see how hard I have worked to get to where I am today. However, the Opera Follies always gave me the most “feeling of the whole.”

How much did you have to practice for your part in “The Threepenny Opera”?
Rehearsals were a daily occurrence between the memorization of lines/songs and establishing who I wanted this character to be.

What was the biggest challenge about playing that part?
Putting myself out there physically was especially challenging.

Why did this production win one of the first-place awards in the National Opera Association Production Competition?
There is a lot of talent in our ensemble, and I definitely think that was important. But I think the main factor was the amount of fun radiating from what was happening on stage.

For you personally, what stood out about that production?
The feeling of ensemble was incredibly strong with this cast. I felt that we worked together very well.

What has changed about you as a performer after that experience?
I am definitely more well-rounded as an actor and more comfortable putting myself out there.

What is a singing part that you dream about performing one day?
I would love to play the title role in Carmen!

What are your plans after graduation?
I have so many interests, so I’m not 100% sure of my plans after graduation. I do know that I want a master’s degree in either vocal performance or music therapy.

What would you never want to change about Pacific?
The welcoming and kind nature of the students, faculty and staff.

Everybody recognizes the iconic Faye Spanos Concert Hall on the southeast corner of the Stockton Campus. Many of you might also know it as a location of some scenes from the blockbuster movie “Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark.” But what else is happening inside Pacific’s Conservatory of Music? 

Conservatory students invite you to come and find out for yourself. On several Friday afternoons during the academic year, they host the free Conservatory Concert Hour. These are professionally executed performances with repertoire ranging from well-known classical compositions to modern or original tunes composed by the students themselves. Drop in on your lunch hour to check out what your friends are up to. The next concert is on Friday, October 21 at 12:30 p.m.

Professor of bassoon Nicolasa Kuster is the faculty lead for these events. She believes that a concert is a “two-way street.” Both the performer and the audience benefit from the experience.

“To learn how to perform, musicians have to play for people,” said Kuster. “It’s a shared experience. Audience members give students a gift when they take the time to sit and listen. In this fast-paced life, learning to listen is of great value.” 

Any Pacific Tiger, no matter their field of study, as well as members of the larger community are welcome to come to the Conservatory Concert Hour events. All concerts start at 12:30 p.m. and feature musicians playing solo or in ensembles.

Visit the university event calendar to learn when the next concert is coming. 

Our campus is a hub of cultural life celebrating art and creative expression in many forms. Pacific is very fortunate to be home to the Conservatory of Music whose faculty are nationally recognized musicians. Their talents are showcased in a series of resident artist concerts each semester. These events are free to all students.

“I feel really blessed to see my professors do more recitals this year,” said music therapy major Gabby Baluyot. “It’s really cool to see them work toward their passion. And it’s such a great opportunity to just appreciate music together.”

The conservatory has schedule seven evening concerts at the Recital Hall during fall semester. The series started September 10 with violinist Igor Veligan, pianist Natsuki Fukasawa and clarinetist Patricia Shands. They performed works of contemporary composers Katherine Hoover (1937-2018), Galina Ustvolskaya (1919-2006) and Alfred Uhl (1909-1922). You can find the concert schedule and more details online in Pacific’s calendar of events.

Musical diversity

Conservatory faculty are accomplished performers involved in renowned music organizations, programs and events in the United States and abroad. At their recitals, you will experience a broad spectrum of musical repertoires ranging from traditional classics to modern experimental works. Diversity is also an important factor, and the conservatory makes a significant effort to feature music of under-represented minorities.

“We have such a broad variety of music that there is bound to be a concert that suits your palate,” said piano performance major Joseph Kruse. “We just had a contemporary music concert. There’s one upcoming featuring many female composers. There is also some older music like Hyden or Beethoven, but I’ve seen concerts here with rap music in back tracks. There will be at least one you are going to enjoy.”

What we generally define as classical music has evolved and adapted to the preferences and tastes of modern audiences. You will find it in soundtracks of your favorite movies and streaming shows or even in video games. You will hear it woven into songs of such modern-day artists as rapper Nas, Lady Gaga, Little Mix, Stromae and countless others.

So, break away from your daily routine and try something different. Bring a group of friends and check out a free recital at the conservatory. You might just discover something entirely new!