The CSUSB Music Department offers two degree programs: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, and the Bachelor of Music (BM) with concentrations in performance and in music education. As you consider your degree options, please visit our academics page, and if you are interested in applying for music scholarships, please also visit the music scholarships page.
Students interested in majoring in music at CSUSB should complete the following:
- apply to the university, through CSUSB’s Cal State Apply portal
- schedule a music department placement audition, through the steps below
Music Department Placement Auditions
Placement auditions for students who wish to begin in Fall 2023 will be held in person on the CSUSB campus in January-February 2023. All incoming prospective music majors should complete the Audition Application Form below to submit your interest in scheduling an audition.
The application form is due by January 15th, 2023. Once your form has been received, we will contact you to schedule your live audition with the faculty.
Submit Your Audition Application Form Here
Further Information for Bachelor of Music (BM) applicants:
The BM program has selective entrance requirements, with additional application materials required. Before you prepare to fill out the application form, please have the following materials ready:
- A personal essay of between 600 and 1000 words (two to three pages).
- This should detail your prior experience and achievements in music, your willingness to commit to the rigor of a professional program, and your future professional aspirations. The essay must document a well-developed ability to communicate in written form, experience and achievements that suggest exceptional talent, and professional aspirations and commitment consistent with the stated purpose of your degree.
- Please upload your essay in DOC or PDF format to a Drive or Dropbox folder and paste its link in the form.
- Your latest unofficial transcript(s) from your highest level of education.
- Transfer students shoud have completed at least one year (2 semesters, or 3 quarters) of music theory and musicianship courses at their previous institution with minimum B- grades. Those who do not meet this requirement may be required to complete a theory placement examiniation upon matriculating, and/or re-take the courses at CSUSB.
- Please upload your transcript(s) in PDF format to a Drive or Dropbox folder and paste its link in the form.
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Area |
Audition Requirements |
Audition Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Voice |
Saturday, January 28th, 2023 |
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Woodwinds |
Saturday, February 4th, 2023 |
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Brass |
Saturday, February 4th, 2023 |
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Percussion |
Saturday, February 4th, 2023 |
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Strings |
Sunday, February 5th, 2023 |
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Keyboard |
Sunday, February 5th, 2023 |
Class Piano Placement
All music majors in either the BA and BM program may choose audition for advanced placement in class piano courses. This is independent of, but can be in addition to, any class piano transfer credit a student transfers to CSUSB. Sufficiently skilled students can test completely out of the department's piano proficiency requirements. Students interested in a class piano placement audition should contact the department at MusicAdmissions@csusb.edu.
Theory & Musicianship Placement
All music majors may also seek advanced placement in the department's music theory and musicianship course sequence. To inquire about diagnostic testing for that purpose, interested students should contact the department at MusicAdmissions@csusb.edu.
Questions?
Please contact MusicAdmissions@csusb.edu and we will be happy to assist.