Dr. Karola Obermueller

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Karola Obermueller. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Karola Obermüller is a distinguished composer known for her unique voice in contemporary music, which combines rich rhythmic energy with innovative sound collages. Her musical journey began in childhood using tape recorders, evolving through formal education at institutions such as Meistersinger-Konservatorium Nürnberg, Hochschule für Musik Saar, and University Mozarteum Salzburg. A Ph.D. from Harvard University propelled her teaching career across institutions including Wellesley College and the University of New Mexico, where she notably co-directed the composition area of the John Donald Robb Composers’ Symposium. Obermüller’s compositions explore a variety of genres, including operas staged at renowned theaters, while her collaborations with leading contemporary ensembles have solidified her status in the music community. She has been honored with multiple awards, including the Heidelberger Künstlerinnenpreis and the New York Musicians Club Prize, affirming her contribution to the field. Moreover, her work has garnered international recognition, with performances at prestigious venues and music festivals.{}

Research Interests

Experience

Composer

— Present

Department of Music, UC San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Involved in teaching and composition, contributing to the academic and artistic community.

Awards

#

Heidelberger Künstlerinnenpreis

#

Darmstädter Musikpreis

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).