For the third consecutive year, music major enrollment has grown at University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music. Pacific continues to attract remarkably accomplished student musicians from across the country and around the world. This fall, the Conservatory enrolled 244 music majors from 17 states and five countries. Total enrollment grew 8% since fall 2025, and undergraduate music major enrollment grew 11% over the same period. The fall cohort includes 71 incoming students, the second largest incoming class in the last 10 years, and Pacific’s largest single class of music majors since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Conservatory degree programs are growing as well. Starting in 2026–27, Pacific is accepting applications for a new Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre, and four new Master of Music degrees in Conducting, Jazz Studies, Performance and Voice Pedagogy. These five new degree programs are projected to increase future enrollments by another 20% over the next four years.

“The new degree programs bring an exciting energy to the Conservatory, creating additional pathways for students to develop as artists and educators while building on the terrific expertise of our faculty,” Vu Nguyen, chair for the Department of Music Performance Studies.

The Conservatory’s growth in enrollment correlates with an intentional increase in pre-collegiate festivals and events, all crafted by music faculty in partnership with Conservatory staff, alumni, students, K-12 arts educators and private music teachers. In 2025–26, Pacific’s Conservatory offered 12 events for pre-collegiate musicians, attracting 1,050 attendees from more than 158 California schools. In 2026–27, Pacific offers 17 events for pre-collegiate musicians, music educators and private teachers, launching new offerings in composition, recording arts and voice, while strengthening continuing offerings for a range of instrumentalists and ensembles.

“The Conservatory’s enrollment growth reflects Pacific’s commitment to students and our communities,” states Fred Peterbark, associate dean for conservatory admissions.

“For 149 years and counting, Pacific faculty, staff, alumni and students have partnered to serve others through music," said Peter Witte, dean of the Conservatory of Music. “Pacific’s values, particularly our steadfast commitment to inclusive cultures, guide the Conservatory’s recent growth. Especially in dissonant eras, the arts draw people together.”

Fall 2026 enrollments by major

• BA, Music: 18
• BM, Composition: 8
• BM, Jazz Studies: 15
• BM, Music Education: 64
• BM, Music Management: 8
• BM, Performance: 30
• BM, Music Therapy: 36
• BS, Music Industry Studies: 36
• MA, Music Therapy: 24
• MM, Music Education: 5
• Double majors and/or double degrees: 10
• Music minors: 8

Fall 2026 enrollment by state and/or country

• California
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• China
• Kenya
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• South Korea

Fall 2026 student by self-declared ethnicities:

• Hispanic: 30%
• White: 24%
• Not provided: 19%
• Asian/Pacific Islander: 13%
• Two or more races: 6%
• Black: 4%
• Native American: <1%
• Pacific Islander: <1%

*Rounded percentages do not total 100%